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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia lanisticola 'Mazinzi Reef'.jpg Maylandia lanisticola 'Otter Island'.jpg Maylandia lanisticola 'Senga Bay'.jpg
Previous pageMaylandia lanisticola 'Senga Bay'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima lanisticola 'Senga Bay'</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Off Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sandy bottoms strongly associated with empty shells of Lanistes nyassanus or similar shelters. The species is almost always found in or near such shells, with some populations also using intermediate or rocky habitats.
Geographic distribution: Common in the southern part of Lake Malawi. Along the eastern shore it is not found north of Makanjila Point, while along the western shore Kande Island represents the northernmost confirmed locality. Populations north of Selewa that were formerly referred to as Maylandia sp. ‘lanisticola north’ are now recognized as two distinct species, Maylandia gallireyae and Maylandia ngarae, and are therefore excluded from the distribution of Maylandia lanisticola.
Typical adult size: Most populations reach about 6.5 cm total length. In aquaria males may grow up to approximately 7 cm, with females remaining slightly smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are about 10% smaller than males. Apart from size, differences between the sexes are subtle, although large adult males may show a slightly more pronounced color pattern.
Diet: Feeds mainly on algae raked from shells, shell fragments, and small pebbles on sandy substrates. It may also engage in occasional cleaning behavior, removing material from the fins of other cichlids.
Breeding: Shell-associated maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend shells as territories. The incubation period is short, about 14–16 days, after which the female releases the fry, often near empty shells that provide immediate shelter for juveniles.
Aggression: A relatively calm mbuna. Territorial toward conspecifics around shells, but generally peaceful toward other species.
Special notes: This species shows strong shell-dwelling behavior.

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