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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx antron 'Gome Rock'.jpg Otopharynx antron 'Makokola'.jpg Otopharynx antron 'Masinje'.jpg Otopharynx antron 'Nametumbwe'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageOtopharynx antron 'Makokola'
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Nametumbwe, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate sand-rock habitat. Non-breeding individuals observed at depths of 35–60 m; breeding population recorded at approximately 10–15 m depth.
Geographic distribution: Known from the eastern shore of Lake Malawi between Gome and Nametumbwe (Malawi), a stretch of about 20 km.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 13 cm TL; females about 20% smaller and rarely exceeding 10 cm TL.
Sexual dimorphism: Males attain larger size and develop breeding coloration while defending territories; females smaller.
Diet: Feeding not observed. Dentition characterized by sparse, primarily unicuspid teeth suggesting consumption of larger invertebrates or fish.
Breeding: Breeding males defend small caves with sandy bottoms in mixed sand-rock habitat at approximately 10–15 m depth. Distance between territorial males recorded as 4–10 m. Females rarely observed and remain concealed among rocks.
Special notes: A very rare, mainly deep-dwelling species not evaluated by the IUCN. Distinguished from congeners by primarily unicuspid teeth in the outer oral jaw rows, smaller eye diameter relative to O. spelaeotes and O. lithobates, and a deeper caudal peduncle. Previously considered for placement in Stigmatochromis but differs in several cranial and dental characters.

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Photo: © Jan Thoma
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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