Rocky habitat dominated by massive boulders.
Occurs among caves and crevices between large rocks,
with very little small-rock habitat.
Found at depths from about 5 m downward.
Geographic distribution:
Endemic to Taiwanee Reef.
The reef lies in Mozambican waters,
but is traditionally fished only by fishermen from Chizumulu Island, Malawi.
Typical adult size:
Up to about 10.5 cm total length in the wild.
Likely to grow somewhat larger in aquarium conditions.
Sexual dimorphism:
Males are blue with 5–6 dark blue to black vertical bars and a black head
with two blue interorbital bars.
Females are light blue with four faint brown bars on the flank
and a light brown head with pale interorbital bars.
Recommended aquarium size:
Minimum 100 cm tank length.
Larger tanks required if more than one male is kept.
Aquarium setup:
Extensive rockwork with many caves and crevices.
Territories are centered around caves.
Avoid housing with species that have similar male breeding coloration.
Keeping only one adult male is recommended unless the tank exceeds 200 cm.
Diet:
Omnivorous, plankton-oriented.
Feeds mainly on algae, diatoms and zooplankton.
Territorial males also pick various food items from aufwuchs,
including cyanobacteria and small invertebrates.
Breeding:
Maternal mouthbrooder.
Males defend caves among rocks as spawning sites.
Females spawn inside the caves and incubate the eggs in the mouth.
Mouthbrooding females are rarely seen, likely hiding deep in rock crevices.
Aggression:
Moderately aggressive.
Males are territorial and chase rival males away from their caves.
Special notes:
Distinguished from other Cynotilapia by its slender body shape
and by the presence of a black submarginal band in the male dorsal fin.
Classified as Vulnerable due to its extremely restricted distribution.
Its elongated body shape is considered a result of convergent evolution
among mbuna adapted to crevice-dwelling life.
Photo gallery