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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia sp. 'lime nkhomo' Mbenji Island.jpg Maylandia sp. 'lime nkhomo' Nkhomo Reef.jpg
Next pageMaylandia sp. 'lime nkhomo' Mbenji Island<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima sp. 'lime nkhomo' Mbenji Island</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Biotope: Intermediate habitat with sand and scattered rocks. The species inhabits sandy intermediate zones at greater depths than other members of the lime group, typically between about 15 and 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi at Nkhomo Reef near Benga, and also at the Mbenji Islands.
Typical adult size: Approximately 8 cm for males and about 7 cm for females.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 250 liters.
Aquarium setup: An aquarium with sufficient rockwork providing hiding places is required. Stocking is best based on one male with several females.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feeds on algae and plankton, and also consumes various small invertebrates.
Aggression: Can be aggressive toward conspecifics, but is generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes: This undescribed species is a member of the lime group of Maylandia, which includes elongate mbuna with bicuspid teeth but a morphology and behavior resembling conical-toothed Cynotilapia. It is closely related to Maylandia sp. ‘lime’ and Maylandia sp. ‘daktari’, with males of all three taxa showing similar color patterns. Compared to the other two species, this form occupies deeper sandy intermediate habitats, and males at the Mbenji Islands are reported to show a brighter yellow coloration.

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