malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Sciaenochromis psammophilus 'Cobwe'.jpg Sciaenochromis psammophilus 'Kande Island'.jpg Sciaenochromis psammophilus 'Mazinzi Reef'.jpg
Next pageSciaenochromis psammophilus 'Cobwé'
Genus: Sciaenochromis
Type locality: Kande Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Associated with sandy habitats in transition zones between rocks, typically occurring at depths between 5–30 m. It swims approximately 30 cm above the sand while searching for prey.
Geographic distribution: Recorded at Kande Island, Likoma Island, Mazinzi Reef, Masasa Reef, Masinje, Senga Bay and Mdoka, including the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males reach approximately 14–15 cm total length, while females attain about 11–12 cm. In aquaria individuals may grow up to about 18 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and develop breeding coloration. Breeding males defend territories and show distinct egg-spots on the anal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: A minimum aquarium volume of 800 l with a tank length of at least 180 cm is recommended.
Aquarium setup: A lightly structured transition zone should be recreated with high rock formations providing crevices and passages, combined with extensive sandy areas. Fine sand substrate is essential. Lighting should not be excessively bright.
Diet: Carnivorous and primarily piscivorous, preying on small fishes and juveniles of other cichlids; invertebrates are also taken. In aquaria a protein-rich diet is required, including frozen or live foods such as mysis, krill, amphipods, mosquito larvae and Artemia.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding males are territorial and defend an area of about 2 m in diameter centered around a spawning pit excavated in the sand, often partly under a rock to form a cave-crater. Shallow bowers may also be constructed on open sand when suitable rocks are unavailable.
Aggression: Assertive but not described as excessively aggressive. It should not be combined with very weak species, and care must be taken when housing with smaller cichlids that may be regarded as prey.
Special notes: Commonly known as the “Electric Blue Kande”. It is generally encountered as a solitary hunter except during breeding periods when males gather. Breeding coloration may vary regionally, with southeastern populations described as more metallic green compared to the more northerly blue forms.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si