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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis ianthinus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Labidochromis ianthinus 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg
Next pageLabidochromis ianthinus 'Mbenji Island'
Genus: Labidochromis
Type locality: Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Shallow rocky waters around the Mbenji Islands and Nkhomo Reef, with wave-washed boulders and algae-covered substrates. Most common at depths of about 3–5 m, reported up to at least 20 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi, with confirmed records from the Mbenji Islands and Nkhomo Reef.
Typical adult size: Up to about 9 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Subtle. Males show a more distinct mauve iridescence on the body and cheeks, while females appear duller, with both sexes sharing a similar overall color pattern.
Recommended aquarium size: A minimum tank size of 160 liters is recommended for a group of 6–8 specimens.
Aquarium setup: Rocky aquascape with abundant caves, crevices, and hiding places, combined with sandy substrate and some open swimming space. Stable alkaline, hard water conditions are recommended.
Diet: Insectivorous, feeding primarily on invertebrates found among rocks and algae in shallow habitats.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate the eggs and developing young in the mouth for about 21–28 days.
Aggression: Relatively peaceful, with males showing minimal territorial behavior compared with many other mbuna.
Special notes: The specific epithet “ianthinus” is derived from Greek and refers to a violet-blue coloration, reflecting the characteristic mauve iridescence described for this species. It is a localized Labidochromis associated with shallow rocky habitats around Mbenji Island and Nkhomo Reef.

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