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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis strigatus 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Labidochromis strigatus 'Same Bay'.jpg
Previous pageLabidochromis strigatus 'Same Bay'
Genus: Labidochromis
Type locality: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Shallow, wave-exposed rocky habitat with boulders and crevices; typically found at depths of 1–8 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi; known from Likoma Island and Chizumulu Island.
Typical adult size: Up to 7 cm SL (males slightly larger than females).
Sexual dimorphism: Males are bright royal blue with distinct dark vertical bars. Females are olive-green with vertical barring and fine orange striping.
Recommended aquarium size: 250–300 L
Aquarium setup: Rock-dominated aquarium with strong water movement and many crevices. Provide territories for males. Keep one male with multiple females to reduce aggression.
Diet: Herbivorous. Grazes mainly on epilithic algae and aufwuchs; only minor incidental intake of invertebrates.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Territorial males court females at rocky spawning sites; females incubate eggs for approximately 3–4 weeks.
Aggression: Moderately territorial. Aggression mainly directed toward conspecific males; generally tolerant of other peaceful mbuna.
Special notes: A shallow-water Labidochromis with unusually strong territorial behavior for the genus. Despite its restricted range, it is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

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