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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Chindongo sp. 'elongatus ruarwe' Charo.jpg Chindongo sp. 'elongatus ruarwe' Ruarwe.jpg
Next pageChindongo sp. 'elongatus ruarwe' Charo
Genus: Chindongo
Biotope: Rocky habitat without sediment, also occurring in intermediate habitat. Found mainly at depths of approximately 10–25 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi, restricted to the western Malawian coast (Ruarwe area; possibly extending toward Charo).
Typical adult size: Males up to about 8 cm, females around 7 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Minimal. Sexes are very similar in coloration; females are slightly smaller, less intense in color, with shorter fins.
Recommended aquarium size: 250 L.
Aquarium setup: Minimum tank length 100 cm. Provide abundant rockwork with many caves and crevices. Due to increased intraspecific aggression, keep one male with 3–4 females.
Diet: Herbivorous. Feeds mainly on algae and microorganisms from sediment-free aufwuchs.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder.
Aggression: Moderately aggressive within the species. Toward other species mostly aggressive during spawning.
Special notes: Very small, slender elongatus-type mbuna with intense coloration and little sexual dichromatism. Often confused in the trade with Pseudotropheus sp. 'elongatus spot' (Hai Reef), sometimes sold under the names “Neon spot” or “Jewel spot”. Males from the Ruarwe population differ noticeably from Charo specimens and from 'elongatus spot'.

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