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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis freibergi 'Likoma Island'.jpg Labidochromis freibergi 'Maingano Island'.jpg Labidochromis freibergi 'Mitande Reef (Rocks)'.jpg
Next pageLabidochromis freibergi 'Likoma Island'
Genus: Labidochromis
Type locality: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Sediment-free, shallow rocky habitat, mainly around small rocks. Usually occurs at depths not deeper than 5 m, but can sometimes be found as deep as 12 m.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the northeastern part of Likoma Island. Introduced to Thumbi West Island at Cape Maclear in the 1970s.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 8 cm total length; females remain about 1 cm smaller.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 L.
Aquarium setup: Aquarium with fine sand substrate and ample rockwork providing caves and hiding places. One male should be kept with two to three females. Due to the small size of the species, avoid housing it with larger and more robust mbuna.
Diet: Omnivorous with a strong tendency toward algivory. Feeds mainly on algae anchored to rocks, extracting algae from small pockets and crevices using long, slender teeth.
Breeding: Territorial males occur throughout the year. Males defend a small cave in the rocky habitat and lead females to the spawning site. Most individuals occur singly, including females.
Aggression: Males are aggressive within the species and each male requires its own cave territory. Generally peaceful toward other species.
Special notes: Distinguished from other blue Labidochromis by having bicuspid outer teeth. Resembles Labidochromis zebroides and, to some extent, Labidochromis lividus, but differs in dental characters and details of body shape and fin coloration.

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Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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