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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Stigmatochromis pholidophorus.jpg Stigmatochromis pholidophorus 'Chiloelo'.jpg Stigmatochromis pholidophorus 'Chiofu Bay'.jpg Stigmatochromis pholidophorus 'Londo'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageStigmatochromis pholidophorus 'Chiloelo'
Genus: Stigmatochromis
Type locality: Vua, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Transition habitats with sandy sections; commonly encountered above sand. It is described as waiting in mid-water about 1 m above the substrate before darting down to seize prey.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from many places around Lake Malawi, particularly along the eastern shores, and described as lake-wide in distribution.
Typical adult size: Males reach about 18 cm, while females attain about 14–16 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of at least 600 l with a minimum tank length of 180 cm is recommended.
Aquarium setup: A transition-zone layout with large and smaller rock formations that create caves and crevices, interspersed with open sand areas, is recommended so separate zones are formed.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on juvenile fishes and smaller cichlids. In aquaria it accepts common foods, with preference given to protein-rich options; frozen foods such as Mysis and mosquito larvae are suggested.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. It is suggested that keeping as a pair (1 male with 1 female) be considered; harem maintenance (1 male with 2–3 females) is also described as possible in suitably large aquaria.
Aggression: Strongly assertive, particularly during the breeding period, with increased intraspecific aggression noted during courtship.
Special notes: Characterized by a rounded snout profile and an unusual hunting technique in which the fish waits well above the sand before lunging downward. It has been exported only infrequently under trade names such as “Torpedo” and “Kambiri Torpedo” and is described as not established in the aquarium hobby.

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