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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Harbour Island'.jpg Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Liuli'.jpg Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Metangula'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas pleurotaenia 'Liuli'
Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Lake Malawi (erroneously labelled as Lake Tanganyika in the original species description)
Biotope: Vegetated and intermediate habitats, especially the deeper parts of plant beds, but also venturing over adjacent sand or rocks.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males reach about 14 cm total length; females up to about 10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males develop breeding coloration and defend territories. Females and non-territorial males show distinct red lappets along the dorsal fin margin.
Recommended aquarium size: A spacious aquarium is recommended with only one adult male per tank due to strong territorial behavior.
Aquarium setup: Maintain pH 7.0–8.5 and temperature 23–28 °C. Provide sandy substrate with some rocks and vegetated areas to allow natural feeding and spawning behavior.
Diet: Feeds by blowing into sediment on sand and around plant bases, extracting insect larvae and soft-bodied crustaceans from mud and debris.
Breeding: Territorial males construct shallow, saucer-shaped spawning platforms in shallow water, often against a rock or object. Sites are built in small colonies. Females are courted when entering a territory. Mouthbrooding females incubate the eggs after spawning.
Aggression: Males are highly territorial during breeding and defend their spawning sites vigorously.
Special notes: Distinguished by a thin but distinct red edge in the dorsal fin and an often straight mid-lateral stripe. Differs from Protomelas triaenodon by having bicuspid rather than tricuspid outer teeth.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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