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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Higga Reef.jpg Maylandia sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Hongi Island.jpg Maylandia sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Ngkuyo Island.jpg Maylandia sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Puulu.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMaylandia sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Hongi Island<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima sp. 'elongatus ngkuyo' Hongi Island</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Biotope: Sediment-free shallow rocky habitat. The species is adapted to living in caves and narrow crevices among rocks and is frequently observed foraging from vertical rock surfaces or from the ceilings of caves.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi, occurring mainly around Ngkuyo Island and also along the mainland shores between Njambe and Undu Point.
Diet: Feeds from the aufwuchs using a feeding mechanism characteristic of Maylandia. Foraging takes place on vertical substrates and within caves. Feeding territories are not defended.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are beige brown, sometimes with a bluish cast, and lack a black submarginal band in the dorsal and anal fins. Males show a zebra-like color pattern combined with a yellow tail in breeding dress.
Aggression: Generally less aggressive than typical zebra-type mbuna. The species does not defend feeding territories.
Special notes: This species is part of the elongate Maylandia group, formerly placed within Pseudotropheus based primarily on body shape. Detailed observations of feeding behavior and skull morphology support its placement in Maylandia. The elongate body form represents an adaptation to a crevice- and cave-dwelling lifestyle rather than close affinity with the classic zebra species.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © TanganikaMalawi.pl
Photo: © TanganikaMalawi.pl
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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