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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia sp. 'zebra gold' Nkhata Bay.jpg Maylandia sp. 'zebra gold' Ruarwe.jpg Maylandia sp. 'zebra gold' Sanga.jpg
Previous pageMaylandia sp. 'zebra gold' Sanga<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima sp. 'zebra gold' Sanga</font>
Tribe / Genus: Maylandia
Biotope: Purely rocky habitat, also over sandy patches between rocks at greater depths, usually below 15 meters.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the western coast of Lake Malawi, occurring between Chirombo Point and Charo.
Typical adult size: Males reach about 13 cm total length, females about 11 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males show variable territorial coloration, including golden and polychromatic forms, while females are consistently brown. Polychromatism occurs mainly in females but is also observed in some males.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 300 liters.
Aquarium setup: Provide plenty of rocks with numerous hiding places. Fine sand is recommended as substrate. Keep one male with 3–4 females.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding from the aufwuchs. Territorial males forage more frequently from the biocover, while plankton is also consumed, especially at greater depths.
Breeding: Territorial males defend spawning sites among rocks or excavate a spawning pit under a stone where rocks meet sandy areas. Spawning takes place inside caves or under rocks.
Aggression: Sexually active males direct aggression mainly toward conspecifics. Females and non-territorial males occur singly or in small groups.
Special notes: This species occurs only on the western shore of the lake, while a similar and possibly closely related species, Maylandia sp. ‘zebra yellow tail’, is restricted to the eastern shore. Several geographical variants are known, differing mainly in male territorial coloration.

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Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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