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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia glaucos 'Cobwe'.jpg Maylandia glaucos 'Kanjindo Rocks'.jpg
Previous pageMaylandia glaucos 'Kanjindo Rocks'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima glaucos 'Kanjindo Rocks'
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Cobwé, Lake Malawi, Mozambique
Biotope: Intermediate rocky habitat with substantial sediment cover on the rocks. The species occurs on small rocky reefs and is typically found at depths between 7 and 15 meters.
Geographic distribution: Known from a rocky reef near Cobwé in Mozambique. A similar form has been collected at Kanjindo Rocks close to Cobwé.
Typical adult size: In the lake, males reach about 9 cm total length and females about 8 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males are light blue to gray with seven dark gray vertical bars, a white belly, and yellow gular region and branchiostegal membranes. Females are gray dorsally and white ventrally, with yellow fin margins and no ocelli in the anal fin.
Aquarium setup: An aquarium with fine sand substrate and ample rockwork is required to provide hiding places and allow males to excavate burrows beneath rocks. The setup should include sheltered areas that mimic intermediate rocky habitats.
Diet: Feeds primarily on algae and phytoplankton. Due to sediment-covered rocks in its natural habitat, a large proportion of the diet consists of plankton taken from the water column, while males also browse algae from nearby rocks.
Breeding: Territorial males excavate burrows beneath small rocks that serve as spawning sites. Females are solitary or occur in small groups and spawn inside the male’s burrow. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and remain hidden among rocks close to the sand during incubation.
Aggression: Males are strongly territorial, especially during breeding. Aggression is mainly directed toward conspecific males and similarly colored species.
Special notes: A geographical variant exported from Kanjindo Rocks shows males with an orange-yellow area on the upper body and snout and is sometimes traded as “Pseudotropheus Flameback”. Females of this form are indistinguishable from those of the Cobwé population.

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Photo: © Aqua-Treff
Photo: © Aqua-Treff
Photo: © Aqua-Treff
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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