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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia benetos 'Kandchedza Island'.jpg Maylandia benetos 'Mazinzi Reef'.jpg
Next pageMaylandia benetos 'Kandchedza Island'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima benetos 'Kandchedza Island'</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Mazinzi Reef, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat on rocky reefs with adjacent sandy patches, often in sediment-rich conditions.
Typically found where reef tops remain in relatively shallow water; reported mainly from about 2–10 m, with collections and observations also around 10–15 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi.
Known from Mazinzi Reef in Mazinzi Bay and other suitable rocky reefs within Mazinzi Bay when the reef top lies in water under about 10 m. Also occurs around Kanchedza Island in Chirombo Bay and at the rocks of Chigubi Point separating the two bays.
Typical adult size: Males reach about 11 cm total length in the wild, with females roughly 10–15% smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are predominantly sky blue and may show a dark interorbital band when breeding or highly aggressive; faint vertical bars can become visible in heightened aggression. Females are brownish-gray to brown with greenish highlights and typically show yellowish pigment in the anal and dorsal fins; females are not reliably distinguishable from those of several other aurora-group species by coloration alone.
Diet: Primarily grazes Aufwuchs, taking diatoms and fine strands of cyanobacteria combed from the algal matrix on rocks. Also feeds on phytoplankton when available; females and non-territorial males may spend more time taking plankton from the water column.
Breeding: Territorial males hold areas over rock and, less often, over sand where burrows are usually excavated. Females may school with juveniles and non-territorial adult males; spawning occurs inside the male’s burrow. Females are maternal mouthbrooders, typically solitary while holding, and release fry after about three to three and a half weeks, then abandon them.
Special notes: A member of the Maylandia aurora group. Distinguished within the group by the absence of a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin, generally subdued vertical barring, and light-brown females with yellow fin margins; identification among closely related blue species relies strongly on male coloration details.

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