malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Maylandia sp. 'dumpy tanzania' Manda<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima sp. 'dumpy tanzania' Manda</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Biotope: Deep sandy intermediate habitat with small heaps of stones scattered on a vast sandy bottom. The habitat is less sediment-rich than that of related forms from the Maleri Islands and is typically found at depths exceeding 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Northern part of Lake Malawi in Tanzanian waters, recorded from Lupingu and Manda, both north of the Ruhuhu River, and also from Puulu Island near Liuli.
Diet: Feeds predominantly on plankton. Some territorial males have been observed feeding from the biocover on rocks or even from sand, but most individuals rely on plankton while remaining close to the substrate.
Breeding: Territorial males establish and defend spawning sites associated with stones or small rock heaps, although detailed spawning behavior has been only sparsely observed.
Aggression: Generally non-aggressive, with territorial behavior mainly limited to the immediate area around spawning sites.
Special notes: This small, stocky mbuna closely resembles Maylandia sp. ‘dumpy’ in shape and behavior and was previously regarded as a population of that taxon. Due to the very large geographic separation between their ranges, it is treated as a distinct species. Compared to the Maleri Islands form, this species inhabits deeper, less sediment-rich sandy habitats and relies more strongly on plankton feeding. Although superficially similar to Cynotilapia sp. ‘lion ntekete’, it differs by possessing bicuspid teeth and is therefore placed in Maylandia.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si