Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Placidochromis
Biotope:	Transition zone and sediment-rich rocky habitat at depths between 10 and 20 m.
Geographic distribution:	Endemic to Jalo Reef on the southwestern coast of Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size:	Up to about 14 cm total length in the aquarium.
Recommended aquarium size:	A minimum aquarium volume of 450 l with a tank length of at least 150 cm is recommended.
Aquarium setup:	A loose transition-style setup with sandy substrate interspersed with larger rocks is suitable. Large open sand areas should be provided for foraging. The species can be maintained in small groups or in harem formation and tolerates the presence of more than one male. It should be combined only with peaceful species.
Diet:	Carnivorous. Feeds on invertebrates and small organisms exposed in stirred sediment, often following digging cichlids to exploit suspended food items.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males court females over a cleaned stone within a territory among rocks in the transition zone. The species is described as non-territorial outside breeding activities.
Aggression:	Very peaceful and non-territorial. Males show only limited aggression and multiple males can be maintained together in sufficiently sized aquaria.
Special notes:	The species lives in small schools, typically with one dominant male, and is strongly attracted to disturbed sediment created by other cichlids.