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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx auromarginatus 'Mdoka'.jpg Otopharynx auromarginatus 'Nkolongwe'.jpg Otopharynx auromarginatus 'South East Arm'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageOtopharynx auromarginatus 'Nkolongwe'
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Lake Malawi
Biotope: Associated with sandy substrates; breeding activity takes place on sand at depths between 10–25 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; distributed throughout the lake, with most collected specimens originating from the southern region.
Typical adult size: Up to 25 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males are completely blue and exhibit bright yellow margins on the dorsal and anal fins.
Diet: Observed feeding on sediment lying on the sand surface.
Breeding: Breeding males are territorial and construct large spawning pits in sand, approximately 1 m in diameter, forming a shallow structure with a rim raised about 10 cm above the substrate; spawning sites are spaced at least 8–10 m apart.
Aggression: Males are territorial during the breeding period.
Special notes: The species name refers to the gold-edged dorsal and anal fins of breeding males.

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