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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Cynotilapia axelrodi 'Nkhata Bay'
Genus: Cynotilapia
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat. Also occurs over sandy bottoms. Most common at depths of 4–10 m, but recorded down to 20 m.
Geographic distribution: Western coast of Lake Malawi, from Chirombo Point to Nkhata Bay, including Lion’s Cove.
Typical adult size: Up to about 7 cm total length in the wild. In aquarium conditions males may reach around 9 cm. Females are 1–2 cm smaller than males.
Sexual dimorphism: Clear. Males are larger and intensely sky-blue to powder-blue. Females are smaller, greyish, with a yellow caudal fin that may fade to pale blue with age.
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 200 L.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate. Rock groups arranged to create multiple shelters and male territories, while leaving sufficient open swimming space. Best kept in harems (1 male with 3–4 females) or in larger groups (e.g. 3 males with 7 females). Avoid large or highly aggressive mbuna that may suppress territorial behavior.
Diet: Omnivorous. In nature feeds mainly on plankton, supplemented with algae and small invertebrates from aufwuchs or sandy substrates.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males excavate shallow pits beneath stones. Spawning occurs in or near these pits; eggs and fry are incubated in the female’s mouth for about three weeks.
Aggression: Moderately aggressive. Males are only weakly territorial compared to many other mbuna.
Special notes: Originally known in the hobby as Pseudotropheus sp. “kingsizei”. The name “kingsizei” was later misapplied to a different species from the eastern coast, now known as Metriaclima pulpican. Despite superficial similarity, Cynotilapia axelrodi and M. pulpican are not closely related and differ in dentition, body shape and intensity of vertical barring. A good beginner mbuna due to moderate aggression and attractive male coloration.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Mark Thomas
Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
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Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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