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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Cynotilapia aurifrons 'Chewere'.jpg Cynotilapia aurifrons 'Chilumba'.jpg Cynotilapia aurifrons 'Chitande Island'.jpg
Next pageCynotilapia aurifrons 'Chewere'
Genus: Cynotilapia
Type locality: Mphanga Rocks, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Sediment-rich rocky habitat. Occurs from 3 to 40 m depth, most commonly between 10 and 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Northwestern Lake Malawi. Confirmed localities include Ruarwe, Chitande and Mphanga Rocks. Southwestern blue-fronted populations may belong to the same species.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 9 cm in the wild (SL up to 73.2 mm). Females slightly smaller. In aquaria males may reach 12 cm, females up to 10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Pronounced. Males are larger, darker and more vividly colored. Females remain brownish with shorter, less intensely colored fins.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 300 L.
Aquarium setup: Minimum tank length 120 cm. Provide abundant rockwork with caves (at least one small cavity per male). Fine sand substrate. Ensure sufficient open swimming space. Best kept in harems (1 male with 3–4 females) or in larger groups introduced simultaneously.
Diet: Omnivorous. Females and non-territorial males feed mainly on plankton. Territorial males supplement their diet with aufwuchs within their territories.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories centered around holes in rocks. Females, juveniles and non-territorial adults form schools above the substrate. Spawning takes place in pits or burrows beneath stones.
Aggression: Highly aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-looking species. Aggression is strongest during territorial defense by males.
Special notes: Very similar to Cynotilapia zebroides but generally slightly larger (by ~2 cm). Considerably less widespread than C. zebroides. Easily hybridizes with closely related species; cohabitation with C. zebroides and zebra-type Metriaclima should be avoided. Taxonomic placement has been controversial, but it is currently retained as a distinct species within Cynotilapia.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Elton Panagi
Photo: © Michel Raab
Photo: © Michel Raab
Photo: © Michel Raab
Photo: © Michel Raab
Photo: © Michel Raab
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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