Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Tribe / Genus:	Maylandia
Biotope:	Rocky environment and intermediate habitats at depths of approximately 10–25 meters.
Geographic distribution:	Mozambique: Mbweca, Mala Point, and Cobwé.
Typical adult size:	Males up to about 12 cm total length; females up to about 9 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males are very dark in coloration with few markings and a distinctive copper to gold patch on the head behind the eyes. Females are also very dark but lack the golden head coloration.
Recommended aquarium size:	300 L.
Aquarium setup:	Provide many rocks with ample hiding places. It is recommended to keep one male with 3–4 females.
Diet:	Omnivorous. Feeds on plankton in the water column and browses aufwuchs from the rocky substrate.
Breeding:	Males defend a spawning cave and hover above it while feeding on plankton. Females form schools that stay very close to the territorial males.
Aggression:	Aggressive within the species, generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes:	This species was previously considered a member of Cynotilapia, but is now placed in Maylandia due to its bicuspid teeth and zebra-like browsing of aufwuchs.