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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx sp. 'golden blueface' Ikombe
Genus: Otopharynx
Biotope: Rocky shores at depths between 10–25 m, where males defend small patches of sand between rocks.
Geographic distribution: Northeastern Lake Malawi between Lumbila and Ikombe.
Typical adult size: Up to about 10 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are brightly colored and territorial; most females lack the three distinct flank spots typical of the genus.
Diet: Feeds by picking items directly from the substrate.
Breeding: Males defend small sandy areas between rocks. Construction of sand-scrape spawning pits has not been observed.
Aggression: Males are territorial.
Special notes: Although currently assigned to Otopharynx, its generic placement is uncertain. It resembles species of Aulonocara in appearance and Copadichromis sp. ‘kawanga’ in coloration, but differs in feeding behavior and territorial habits.

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