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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis lividus 'Likoma Island'
Genus: Labidochromis
Type locality: Between Makulawe Point and Ndomo Point, west coast of Likoma Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Shallow transitional habitat between sand and rocks. The species inhabits small caves and crevices at the sand–rock interface rather than purely rocky habitats.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Known only from the western and northern shores of Likoma Island.
Typical adult size: Up to 7.1 cm standard length
Sexual dimorphism: Males show blue vertical bars on a darker body background. Females are light brown with grey-brown bars. Sexual dimorphism is moderate and less pronounced than in many other mbuna.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 L or larger
Aquarium setup: A layout with fine sand and numerous small rocks forming caves and crevices is essential. The species prefers shaded areas and narrow hiding places rather than open rock faces.
Diet: Herbivorous algae-picker. In the wild it feeds mainly on algae growing at the entrances of crevices and small caves, especially sediment-free patches that are inaccessible to most other herbivores. In the aquarium it should be fed primarily spirulina-based foods and other vegetable matter.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Territorial males defend small caves used as spawning sites. Females brood the eggs and fry in the mouth.
Aggression: Generally peaceful. Males may defend small territories but overall aggression is low compared to many other mbuna.
Special notes: Several lividus-like forms occur elsewhere in Lake Malawi and along the Mozambican coast, such as Labidochromis sp. “lividus mozambique” and Labidochromis sp. “lividus nkhungu”, which differ in body shape, coloration, and habitat preference. These forms are currently regarded as distinct, undescribed taxa rather than populations of L. lividus.

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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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