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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette'.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette' Likoma Island.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette' Maingano Island.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette' Mbamba Islands.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette' Ndomo Point.jpg
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Genus: Otopharynx
Biotope: Occurs at the boundary of sand and rocks around Likoma Island.
Geographic distribution: Known only from the Likoma area in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Up to about 18 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Females and juveniles show a large blotch in the middle of the flank and one or two smaller blotches on the caudal peduncle.
Diet: Feeds from sandy substrates by scooping up the muddy surface layer; females and non-territorial males may also feed on plankton in schools. The gut is approximately four times the total length, indicating a herbivorous feeding strategy.
Breeding: Territorial males defend caves at lake-floor level, typically beneath large overhanging rocks. Spawning takes place inside the cave.
Aggression: Males are territorial during breeding.
Special notes: Undescribed species included in the auromarginatus group. Some specimens were incorporated in the type series of Otopharynx auromarginatus. In the aquarium trade it has been known as “Haplochromis Margaretae”, “Haplochromis Margrette” and “Haplochromis Big Blotch”. The Likoma population is the only one documented and has been collected for the aquarium trade.

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Photo: © Larry Johnson
Photo: © Larry Johnson
Photo: © Tommaso Gasperini
Photo: © Kevin Campbell
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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