Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel'.jpg

Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Border.jpg

Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Chiofu Bay.jpg

Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Gome.jpg

Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Liwani.jpg

Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Chiofu Bay

Genus	Placidochromis
Geographic distribution	Along the eastern shore of Lake Malawi between Gome and Ntekete, where it occurs sympatrically with Placidochromis electra.
Biotope	Primarily sandy habitats, usually at moderate depth, though occasionally observed in shallow water at 2–6 m; often associated with sand-sifting cichlids.
Sexual dimorphism	Males and females are similar in general appearance; juveniles and females can be distinguished from P. electra by the absence of a yellow fin margin.
Typical adult size	Males up to 12–15 cm TL in imports, becoming larger with age in aquarium conditions; females remain smaller.
Recommended aquarium size	A minimum of 500 l is recommended for a group, while mixed tanks with large sand-sifting hosts should provide 800–1000 l to ensure adequate open sand area.
Aquarium setup	Large open sandy areas with limited rock structures; strong filtration and oxygenation.
Diet	Opportunistic feeder roaming over sand in search of food particles; acts as a “blue follower”, exploiting sediment disturbed by Taeniolethrinops and Fossorochromis; in aquarium accepts small frozen foods and quality dried diets.
Breeding	Maternal mouthbrooder; males establish a spawning site near rock and court females with quivering displays; eggs are fertilized inside the female’s mouth and incubated for about three weeks.
Aggression	Moderate; generally peaceful toward non-competing species but may display territorial behaviour toward conspecific males during breeding.
Special notes	Member of the Placidochromis electra species group, morphologically intermediate between P. sp. ‘phenochilus tanzania’ and south-eastern forms of P. electra. Differs from P. electra by lacking yellow fin margins and by its brighter turquoise male coloration. Occurs sympatrically with local electra forms and is therefore not considered conspecific.