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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia sp. 'dolphin' Ndonga.jpg Maylandia sp. 'dolphin' Thumbi Point.jpg Maylandia sp. 'dolphin' Thumbi Reef.jpg
Previous pageMaylandia sp. 'dolphin' Thumbi Reef<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima sp. 'dolphin' Thumbi Reef</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Biotope: Rocky habitat along the upper part of the rocky biotope, with a clear preference for shallow zones at approximately 5–7 m depth.
Geographic distribution: Northeastern shore of Lake Malawi, occurring between Ndonga and Puulu.
Sexual dimorphism: Male and female are externally indistinguishable. Females show blue vertical bars, while juveniles display an attractive blue coloration.
Diet: Feeds predominantly on Aufwuchs grazed from rocky substrates, with plankton only rarely taken.
Special notes: Although the coloration is very similar to that of the zebra-like mbuna commonly referred to as the M. sp. 'aggressive bars', this species differs clearly in behavior and habitat preference. It occupies much shallower rocky areas and shows no obvious external sexual dimorphism, which further separates it from those deeper-living, sexually dimorphic forms.

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Photo: © Mark Thomas
Photo: © Mark Thomas
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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