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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Rhamphochromis sp. 'maldeco' South East Arm
Genus: Rhamphochromis
Biotope: Moderately deep benthic habitats, mainly 60–80 m depth over soft sediments in the southern arms of Lake Malawi.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from the southern arms of Lake Malawi; not confirmed from other parts of the lake.
Typical adult size: Up to about 312 mm standard length (approximately 35 cm total length); sexual maturity sometimes from about 16–17 cm standard length.
Sexual dimorphism: Both sexes show a yellow belly and yellow to orange pelvic and anal fins. Mature males develop more extensive yellow on the throat, chest, belly, dorsal and caudal fins.
Diet: Piscivorous.
Special notes: Undescribed taxon named after the Maldeco trawling company, from whose catches many specimens were first recognized. A medium-sized species with a relatively small mouth, deep lower jaw and streamlined body that is comparatively deep at the belly. Typically shows a brownish-yellow overall cast.

Often confused with large-bodied congeners; differs from R. brevis by its smaller mouth and thinner upper jaw, and by reaching a slightly smaller maximum size. Most frequently encountered in bottom trawl catches, suggesting a predominantly benthic lifestyle.

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Photo: © George Turner
Photo: © George Turner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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