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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Rhamphochromis sp. 'nkhwazi'.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'nkhwazi' Kande Island.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'nkhwazi' Makanjila Rocks.jpg
Previous pageRhamphochromis sp. 'nkhwazi' Makanjila Rocks<br><font color=gray>Rhamphochromis brevis 'Makanjila Rocks'</font>
Genus: Rhamphochromis
Geographic distribution: Recorded from Lake Malawi, including Kande Island and Nkhata Bay; frequently observed in fish markets at Nkhata Bay.
Typical adult size: Up to 401 mm standard length (approximately 48 cm total length).
Sexual dimorphism: Mature males become dark silver to pewter overall, losing countershading. Pelvic and anal fins are dark orange; no orange throat or chest is present. Females remain more typically silver.
Diet: Piscivorous; large individuals likely take medium-sized pelagic fishes including Diplotaxodon and smaller Rhamphochromis.
Special notes: Undescribed species and the largest known cichlid of an endemic Lake Malawi genus. Very heavily built with massive jaws, thick lips and large stout teeth. Distinguished by a short, jutting premaxillary pedicel producing a strongly aquiline head profile, unlike the longer straight pedicel of R. woodi.
Genomic data indicate it is not closely related to R. woodi or other very large congeners. Commonly caught by angling in northern parts of the lake.

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