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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Abactochromis labrosus.jpg Abactochromis labrosus 'Chiloelo'.jpg Abactochromis labrosus 'Chiofu'.jpg Abactochromis labrosus 'Mbenji'.jpg Abactochromis labrosus 'Metangula'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageAbactochromis labrosus 'Chiofu'
Genus: Abactochromis
Type locality: Deep Bay (Chilumba Bay), Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate rocky habitat in relatively shallow water, usually less than 8 m in depth. Spends most of its time hiding inside caves and very narrow rock crevices and is only rarely observed in open areas. Its dark coloration provides excellent camouflage within crevices.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs around the entire lake but is rare at any given location.
Typical adult size: Up to 16 cm total length; males are the largest.
Sexual dimorphism: Subtle. Males grow larger and are more persistently territorial. External coloration differences between sexes are minimal.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork arranged to form numerous caves and extremely narrow hiding places.
Keep one male with several females; due to strong intraspecific aggression between males, housing more than one male is not recommended.
Diet: Carnivorous predator. In the wild it feeds on larger invertebrates and hunts mbuna fry.
Its extremely laterally compressed body allows it to penetrate very narrow rock cracks, while its specialized, swollen lips enable it to suck prey directly from crevices.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Courting males have been observed both inside and outside caves, but breeding sites are not defended for long periods.
Adults are usually encountered singly; juveniles may occasionally be seen in small groups.
Aggression: High aggression within the species, especially between males; generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes: Abactochromis labrosus was long classified within the genus Melanochromis but was later placed into its own monotypic genus, Abactochromis.
It is characterized by extremely swollen lips forming pointed lobes and a very laterally compressed body, combined with very dark coloration and numerous small chest scales. These features distinguish it clearly from superficially similar species such as Protomelas ornatus and P. sp. 'hertae'.
Although widespread, it is always rare and lives a very secretive life. In the aquarium hobby it is among the rarest Malawi mbuna and can be difficult to obtain. Despite its rarity, it is currently not considered threatened, though collection for the aquarium trade may pose localized pressure.

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Photo: © Henrik Brink Pedersen
Photo: © Henrik Brink Pedersen
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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