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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo ater 'Chinyamwezi'
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Chinyamwezi Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat with exposed rock surfaces and abundant aufwuchs. Occurs in shallow to mid-depth zones, typically at depths of 3–15 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi; restricted to Chinyamwezi and Chinyankwazi islands.
Typical adult size: 7–8 cm SL; older individuals may reach up to about 12 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: No clear sexual dichromatism. Both sexes become uniformly dark with age. Females remain smaller and have slightly shorter fins and smaller anal ocelli.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 300 L; larger aquaria recommended due to high intraspecific aggression.
Aquarium setup: Rock-dominated aquarium with horizontal rock surfaces and rocky patches separated by sand. Visual barriers are essential to reduce aggression.
Diet: Primarily an aufwuchs grazer feeding on algae, diatoms, and microorganisms. In the aquarium, provide a vegetable-rich diet with minimal animal protein.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend small territories on flat rock surfaces. Females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth for approximately three weeks.
Aggression: Highly aggressive toward conspecifics. Territorial and often lethal in confined spaces; best kept as a single male with multiple females.
Special notes: Formerly described as Pseudotropheus ater. A true micro-endemic mbuna with a very limited natural range and low population density. Rare in the aquarium hobby.

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