Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Chindongo heteropictus 'Chizumulu Island'

Genus:	Chindongo
Type locality:	Chizumulu Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope:	Intermediate habitat around Chizumulu Island. Occurs around rocks in both sediment-free and sediment-rich areas. Most commonly found at depths of 3–10 m, but recorded down to about 18 m.
Geographic distribution:	Endemic to Lake Malawi. Confirmed populations are restricted to the area around Chizumulu Island.
Typical adult size:	Males typically reach 8–10 cm; females remain smaller. In aquaria, individuals may grow slightly larger.
Sexual dimorphism:	Females are smaller with shorter fins and retain a juvenile yellow to yellow-white coloration. Males become sky blue and develop longer fins.
Recommended aquarium size:	At least 300 L.
Aquarium setup:	Fine sand substrate with extensive rockwork forming caves and crevices. Keep one male with several females (three or more). Larger tanks are required if more than one male is kept.
Diet:	Aufwuchs grazer. Feeds mainly on algae scraped from rock surfaces.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend small territories and attract females to spawning sites between rocks. Females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth for about three weeks.
Aggression:	Territorial and aggressive within the species, especially among males. Relatively tolerant toward other species outside the breeding period.
Special notes:	Formerly traded under the name “Pseudotropheus newsi”. Considered a threatened species and relatively uncommon in the aquarium hobby compared to similar mbuna such as P. johannii or Chindongo saulosi.