Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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.