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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Cynotilapia sp. 'maleri' Maleri Island.jpg Cynotilapia sp. 'maleri' Mkondiwa Reef.jpg Cynotilapia sp. 'maleri' Nakantenga Island.jpg
Previous pageCynotilapia sp. 'maleri' Nakantenga Island
Genus: Cynotilapia
Biotope: Intermediate habitat rich in sediment; medium-sized rocks lying on sandy substrate at depths of approximately 17–27 m
Geographic distribution: Known from Maleri Island and Nakantenga Island, Lake Malawi
Typical adult size: Males up to 12 cm; females up to 9 cm
Sexual dimorphism: Males larger and much darker than females, with a pearly white frontal area and dorsal fin edge; females silvery grey with faint markings
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 300 litres
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate with scattered rock groups; keeping several males together is recommended to allow dominance hierarchies and full male coloration; avoid closely related Cynotilapia and large zebra-type mbuna
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds mainly on plankton in the wild; unlike other Cynotilapia, even territorial males participate in schooling and plankton feeding
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; males dig pits beneath stones and defend territories during spawning
Aggression: Aggressive towards conspecifics and other species; dominance strongly influences coloration

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