Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Protomelas
Biotope:	Intermediate habitat consisting of small pebbles and shells on sand (old river-bed type areas), and sandy intermediate zones with scattered small rocks.
Geographic distribution:	Lake-wide distribution; more common along the eastern shore.
Aquarium setup:	Although males show limited territoriality in the wild, in the aquarium it is recommended to keep only one male per tank.
Diet:	Feeds on invertebrates and algae picked from pebbles, small rocks, and sand while covering large distances during foraging.
Breeding:	Males in breeding coloration are rare and are not territorial in the wild. They may be seen near foraging females. Mouthbrooding females are solitary and guard their offspring after first release.
Aggression:	Generally non-territorial in the wild. In captivity males may display territorial behavior; keeping a single male is recommended.
Special notes:	Previously placed in Placidochromis due to resemblance to Placidochromis johnstoni, but differs by a much smaller mouth and shorter snout. Characterized by fewer and broader vertical bars compared to some populations of Protomelas fenestratus. The name “solo” refers to the species’ solitary behavior in the wild.