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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo socolofi 'Mara Rocks'.jpg Chindongo socolofi 'Mbweca Rocks'.jpg Chindongo socolofi 'Tumbi Point'.jpg
Previous pageChindongo socolofi 'Tumbi Point'
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Off Likoma Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat consisting of sand interspersed with rocks. Most commonly found at depths between 5 and 15 m.
Geographic distribution: Central eastern shoreline of Lake Malawi in Mozambique waters, occurring roughly between Cobwé and Tumbi Point.
Typical adult size: In the wild males reach up to about 12 cm total length (females up to about 10 cm). In aquaria males may grow considerably larger, up to about 16 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexual dimorphism is weak. Both sexes are blue in coloration. Males are usually slightly larger and show more intense coloration, with more pronounced black markings in the fins where present.
Recommended aquarium size: 300 L; larger aquaria (400 L or more) recommended for group setups.
Aquarium setup: Recreate an intermediate habitat with a sandy bottom interrupted by groups of rocks. Provide open sandy areas and scattered rock piles for shelter and spawning. Keep one male with at least three females. Group setups (e.g. 3 males and 7 females) require larger aquaria.
Diet: Limnivorous mbuna feeding from aufwuchs. Unlike most algal grazers, it feeds mainly on longer algae without scraping directly on rock surfaces. Its diet also includes small invertebrates found in the aufwuchs and zooplankton.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Some males establish territories and dig small burrows between rocks. Females incubate approximately 10–20 eggs in the mouth for about three weeks before releasing the fry.
Aggression: Generally peaceful for an mbuna, both within the species and toward other species. Males may become territorial toward conspecifics, especially during spawning. Occasionally individuals may display elevated aggression in aquaria.
Special notes: Previously widely traded under the name “Pseudotropheus pindani”. One of the few Chindongo species in which both sexes are blue, making sex identification more difficult.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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