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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia ngarae 'Chesese'.jpg Maylandia ngarae 'Mdoka'.jpg Maylandia sp. 'lanisticola north' Ngara.jpg
Next pageMaylandia ngarae 'Chesese'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima ngarae 'Chesese'<br>Metriaclima sp. 'lanisticola north' Chesese</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Ngara, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Sandy areas near scattered empty gastropod shells, often in proximity to submerged rocky reefs.
Geographic distribution: Known from submerged reefs near Ngara and Mdoka in northern Lake Malawi, with additional records from Chesese and Kaporo.
Typical adult size: Up to about 7.5 cm total length, with males slightly larger than females.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes are similar in overall coloration. Males resemble females but typically show clearer vertical bars on the flank, while females have less prominent bars that do not extend onto the abdomen.
Recommended aquarium size: Approximately 250 liters.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate with numerous empty snail shells for shelter, combined with rock structures that provide additional hiding places.
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds by combing algae from shells and rocks and by searching the sand for small invertebrates.
Breeding: Mouthbrooder. Females are associated with empty shells and are believed to release their fry inside the shells, often earlier than is typical for most mbuna species.
Aggression: Generally peaceful both within the species and toward other species, although males actively defend their territories.
Special notes: This is a shell-dwelling mbuna species. Juveniles and females live in empty snail shells, while males are too large to enter them. The species was previously included within the concept of Metriaclima sp. ‘lanisticola north’ before being formally described as a distinct species.

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