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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Iodotropheus sprengerae.jpg Iodotropheus sprengerae 'Chinyamwezi Island'.jpg Iodotropheus sprengerae 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Iodotropheus sprengerae 'Makokola Reef'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageIodotropheus sprengerae 'Chinyankwazi Island'
Genus: Iodotropheus
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Rocky habitats without sediment. Most abundant at depths of 3–15 meters, but occurs from the surface down to at least 40 meters. Found over large rock slabs, medium-sized and small rocks, and occasionally in intermediate zones with detritus accumulation.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to areas around Chinyamwezi Island, Chinyankwazi Island, and Boadzulu Island in Lake Malawi, including Makokola Reef.
Typical adult size: Up to about 9 cm total length in the lake. In aquarium conditions individuals may grow slightly larger.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and more bluish than females, with a more pronounced frontal hump and longer fins.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 liters.
Aquarium setup: Rocky setup with multiple hiding places. Fine, non-sharp sand substrate is recommended. Best kept with a ratio of one male to 3–4 females, or in larger groups. Suitable to be kept with other peaceful, omnivorous mbuna such as Labidochromis and Cynotilapia.
Diet: Omnivorous. In the wild feeds on aufwuchs, including algae, small invertebrates and insect larvae, and also on animal and plant plankton in open areas. In the aquarium accepts all foods, but a diet based mainly on vegetable matter is recommended.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males are not territorial but attract females by displaying and leading them to a spawning site. Eggs are fertilized inside the female’s mouth. Incubation lasts about three weeks at around 25 °C.
Aggression: Peaceful both within the species and toward other species. Typical territorial behavior by males is not observed.
Special notes: One of the first mbuna exported from Lake Malawi in the early 1970s. Due to its small size and attractive coloration it quickly became popular in aquaristics, though it is less common today.

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Photo: © Larry Johnson
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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