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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Chiofu Bay.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Gome.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Liwani.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Masinje.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Ntekete.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePlacidochromis sp. 'phenochilus gissel' Liwani
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.

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Photo: © Oliver Holmstrom
Photo: © Oliver Holmstrom
Photo: © Oliver Holmstrom
Photo: © Oliver Holmstrom
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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