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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo longior 'Ngkuyo Island'.jpg Chindongo longior 'Puulu Island'.jpg Chindongo longior 'Thumbi Point'.jpg
Previous pageChindongo longior 'Thumbi Point'
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Mbamba Bay, Lake Malawi, Tanzania
Biotope: Rocky habitat with large boulders and horizontal rock surfaces. Occurs mainly on exposed rock faces and upper surfaces of large rocks, typically between 1 and 8 m depth, but reported down to approximately 20 m. Males establish territories on flat rock surfaces, often forming algae gardens.
Geographic distribution: Recorded mainly along the Tanzanian coast of Lake Malawi. Reports from other regions may involve confusion with closely related members of the Pseudotropheus elongatus species group.
Typical adult size: Up to about 11 cm total length in the type series; may grow larger, especially in aquaria.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are smaller and less intensely colored than males, with shorter unpaired fins.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 500 L.
Aquarium setup: Large aquarium with extensive rockwork forming caves, crevices, and horizontal rock surfaces. Visual barriers are essential. Tank length of around 200 cm or more is recommended if more than one male is kept.
Diet: Primarily an aufwuchs grazer, feeding on algae scraped from rock surfaces. Also ingests small invertebrates associated with the biofilm. In aquaria, a vegetable-rich diet with sufficient roughage is essential.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth for about three weeks before releasing the young.
Aggression: Extremely aggressive and highly territorial, especially males. Aggression is comparable to members of the elongatus aggressive group. Females may also defend territories.
Special notes: Closely related to the elongatus aggressive complex and historically confused with other members of the group. Best kept only by experienced mbuna keepers due to its extreme intraspecific aggression.

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