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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx tetrastigma.jpg Otopharynx tetrastigma 'Kanchedza Island'.jpg Otopharynx tetrastigma 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg
Previous pageOtopharynx tetrastigma 'Thumbi East Island'
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Lake Malawi and upper Shire River, Malawi
Biotope: Occurs among beds of Vallisneria and Ceratophyllum, particularly in the southern section of the lake, also in vegetated areas of the Shire River.
Geographic distribution: Mainly southern Lake Malawi and the upper Shire River.
Typical adult size: Up to about 14 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males display a dark blue-brown coloration.
Diet: Scoops and filters muddy sediment, retaining insect larvae and small crustaceans; also feeds on zooplankton approaching the substrate.
Breeding: Males are territorial and defend a cleared patch among aquatic plants or a breeding territory on muddy sand near vegetation. The spawning site is a scrape approximately 50 cm in diameter with a large heap of sand beside it; the spawning dish itself measures about 10 cm in diameter. Territorial males have been observed in August and December.
Aggression: Males are territorial during breeding.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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