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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx argyrosoma.jpg Otopharynx argyrosoma 'Madimba Bay'.jpg
Previous pageOtopharynx argyrosoma 'Madimba Bay'
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Sandy substrates in both shallow and deeper regions, including intermediate sand–rubble zones along rocky shores.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi; also recorded from Lake Malombe and the Upper Shire River.
Typical adult size: Maximum total length about 15 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males attain a larger size than females and develop intensified breeding coloration. During the breeding season a bright orange marginal band is visible in the anal fin and the typical anal spots become obscured.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 450 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should contain a substantial sandy substrate, interrupted by several larger stones to create structure. One male should be maintained with several females.
Diet: Feeds predominantly on benthic crustaceans and other small invertebrates collected from the sand; plankton may also be taken from the water column.
Breeding: Territorial males construct small sand-castle bowers on open sand. Spawning occurs at these sites and females mouthbrood the eggs and larvae.
Special notes: Characterized by two elongate horizontal blotches and a faint spot on the caudal peduncle. Some individuals with a more distinct melanin pattern were previously regarded as Nyassachromis sp. ‘interruptus’, but are now considered conspecific with Otopharynx argyrosoma. Exported under names such as “Haplochromis Longimanus” and “Haplochromis Eucinostomus”.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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