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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia cyneusmarginata 'Chia'.jpg Maylandia cyneusmarginata 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg
Previous pageMaylandia cyneusmarginata 'Nkhomo Reef'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima cyneusmarginatum 'Nkhomo Reef'</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Nkhotakota, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Rocky habitat with medium-sized boulders and rocks scattered over predominantly sandy bottom, often with noticeable sediment cover on the rocks. Occurs from very shallow water to deeper reef zones, with records ranging from near-surface areas to about 15 m depending on locality.
Geographic distribution: Known from the Malawian coast near Sani (about 12 km south of Nkhotakota) and the rocky shoreline between Sani and Kirambu Point. Populations at Nkhomo Reef (about 5 km south of the type locality) and Chidunga Rocks (about 100 km south) are provisionally treated as conspecific.
Typical adult size: Adult males are reported to reach up to about 10 cm total length in the wild, while in aquaria they may attain approximately 15–16 cm. Females remain about 25% smaller than males.
Sexual dimorphism: Males have a blue ground color and a distinct black submarginal band in the dorsal fin, with the chin ranging from white to blue. Females are bluish-gray and lack dorsal-fin markings.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L.
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork with many hiding places and a sandy bottom; a minimum tank length of 140 cm is recommended. Keep one male with several females, and avoid combining it with closely similar species.
Diet: Herbivorous Aufwuchs grazer that combs diatoms and fine cyanobacterial strands from the algal matrix on rocks, feeding from sediment-free biocover on large rocks. It also takes planktonic food items, and in very shallow areas may pick up algae dislodged into the water column by wave action.
Breeding: Breeding males are territorial and defend a cave-centered territory among the sparse rocks of their habitat; territories are typically widely spaced (often 5–10 m apart). Females and juveniles are mostly solitary. Spawning occurs inside the male’s cave; females are maternal mouthbrooders and release the fry after about three to three and a half weeks, then abandon them. Juveniles tend to remain close together near the available rocks.
Aggression: Aggressive within the species, particularly among males, but generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes: Distinguished from most congeners by the prominent black submarginal band in the dorsal fin and a blue cheek; the black band is absent in nearly all Maylandia zebra populations except the Zimbawe Rocks form, which differs by a black cheek.

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