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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo elongatus 'Hongi Rocks'.jpg Chindongo elongatus 'Liuli'.jpg Chindongo elongatus 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg
Previous pageChindongo elongatus 'Mbamba Bay'
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Mbamba Bay, Lake Malawi (Tanzania)
Biotope: Shallow, sediment-free rocky habitat. Inhabits cracks and small caves among rocks, mostly at depths between 7 and 15 m, but reported from very shallow water down to greater depths in some areas.
Geographic distribution: Confirmed from Mbamba Bay to Maunyuni Rocks along the Tanzanian coast of Lake Malawi. Additional populations possibly occur elsewhere in the lake, but their identity remains uncertain.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 10–11 cm; females slightly smaller, up to about 8 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and more intensely colored. Females are smaller and brownish with a weaker bluish hue.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 300 L; larger aquaria recommended for groups.
Aquarium setup: Rock-dominated aquarium with many caves and crevices. Rockwork should extend high toward the water surface. One male with several females is recommended, or larger groups in suitably large tanks (500 L or more). Compatible with robust mbuna species.
Diet: Aufwuchs feeder. Consumes algae, diatoms, and microorganisms scraped from rock surfaces. Diet should be primarily vegetable-based.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Specific breeding behavior is poorly documented, but territoriality appears weaker than in many other elongatus-group mbuna.
Aggression: Strongly aggressive toward conspecifics; relatively tolerant toward other species except during breeding periods.
Special notes: The true identity and distribution of Chindongo elongatus have long been confused with other elongatus-group mbuna. The species rediscovered at the type locality is less aggressive and more secretive than forms historically exported under this name.

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Photo: © African Diving Ltd
Photo: © African Diving Ltd
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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