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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis flavigulis 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Labidochromis flavigulis 'Machili Island'.jpg Labidochromis flavigulis 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg
Previous pageLabidochromis flavigulis 'Nkhata Bay'
Genus: Labidochromis
Type locality: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat in relatively shallow water, among small rocks and pebbles accumulated on sand. Occurs at depths of about 2 to 3 m.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from Chizumulu Island. Reports from Likoma Island are considered the result of an introduction by collectors.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 6 cm total length; females rarely exceed 5 cm.
Recommended aquarium size: 150 L.
Aquarium setup: Aquarium with fine sand substrate and scattered rockwork forming caves and hiding places. One male should be kept with two to three females. In aquaria longer than 100 cm, more than one male may be kept if sufficient shelters are available. Suitable tankmates include other small, non-robust mbuna.
Diet: Omnivorous with a strong tendency toward algivory. Feeds mainly on algae scraped from rocks. The narrow, pointed mouth allows access to algae growing in tight crevices between stones.
Breeding: Territorial males are present throughout the year. Males excavate spawning sites beneath small rocks and heap sand in front of the entrance. Females and juveniles form small foraging groups that move through the habitat.
Aggression: Can be aggressive within the species, particularly between males. Generally tolerant toward other species, but males vigorously defend their territories.
Special notes: A small rock-dwelling Labidochromis with a distinctive color pattern of orange-brown or olive bars on a greenish background. It is distinguished from closely related species by differences in snout shape, dentition, dorsal spine counts, and fin markings. The population reported from Likoma Island is considered to be the result of an artificial introduction and may not have persisted or spread around the island.

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Photo: © Mark Thomas
Photo: © Mark Thomas
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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