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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo sp. 'aggressive zebra mbenji' Ababi Island.jpg Chindongo sp. 'aggressive zebra mbenji' Mbenji Island.jpg Chindongo sp. 'aggressive zebra mbenji' Penga Penga Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageChindongo sp. 'aggressive zebra mbenji' Mbenji Island
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Unknown; trade name refers to populations around Mbenji Island.
Biotope: Rocky habitat with boulders in shallow zones. Both males and females defend feeding territories recognizable as algal gardens.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi: mainly around Mbenji Island and Maleri Island, also reported from Nkhudzi.
Typical adult size: Wild males up to approximately 11 cm total length; larger sizes possible in aquarium.
Sexual dimorphism: Males larger with longer fins and slightly more intense coloration. Females smaller but similarly patterned.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L or larger.
Aquarium setup: Large aquarium with extensive rockwork and strong visual barriers. Flat rock surfaces and caves are essential. Best kept as one male with several females.
Diet: Primarily an aufwuchs grazer feeding on algae. Opportunistically consumes plankton and small invertebrates.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning occurs on defended rock surfaces or pits beneath stones.
Aggression: Very aggressive. Strongly territorial toward conspecifics and other similarly shaped mbuna.
Special notes: Undescribed member of the elongatus / aggressive complex. Distinguished from other aggressive zebra forms by its higher body, darker unpaired fins and characteristic red-brown head coloration.

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Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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