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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia flavicauda 'Zimbawe Rock'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima flavicauda 'Zimbawe Rock'<br>Maylandia sp. 'elongatus yellow tail' Zimbawe Rock</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Zimbawe Rock, Lake Malaŵi, Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat at 5–25 m, with large boulders creating caves and crevices used as shelter and spawning sites.
Geographic distribution: Known from Zimbawe Rock and from a tiny rocky reef just south of Mumbo Island (Chimney Rock).
Typical adult size: In the wild, males are estimated to reach about 13 cm total length, while in aquaria they may grow a few centimeters larger; females remain about 1-2 cm smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males in territorial coloration are light blue with 5–6 distinct black bars; head black with two light-blue interorbital bars and a dark brown throat. Pelvic fins black; anal fin black; dorsal fin black with yellow to orange distal spots. Caudal fin is yellow in the type-locality population (Zimbawe Rock); males at Chimney Rock may show a blue tail. Females are beige-brown to light blue without distinct bars, with a white to beige belly and breast; head beige to brown with blue-green highlights, green to light gray interorbital bars, and a white throat.
Recommended aquarium size: 300 L (minimum length 120 cm).
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork with many caves and hiding places; ensure at least one cave per male. Fine sand is preferred. Keep with other robust omnivorous mbuna. Males can be highly territorial; avoid multiple adult males unless the aquarium is very large and offers strong visual barriers.
Diet: Omnivorous. Grazes aufwuchs (diatoms and cyanobacteria strands) from rocks and frequently feeds on plankton in open water; stomach-content studies have shown plankton can form a large part of the diet.
Breeding: Territorial males defend caves between rocks; territories may be close together in suitable habitat. Spawning takes place inside the male’s cave. Females are maternal mouthbrooders; broods are typically 10–30 eggs, with release after about three to three and a half weeks, followed by abandonment.
Aggression: Very aggressive within the species. Toward other species, aggression is usually most pronounced around spawning time.
Special notes: The elongate body form is associated with life in crevices between rocks.

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