Intermediate habitat with relatively sediment-free rocky areas. The species prefers
rockier sections of the intermediate zone rather than heavily sedimented substrates.
Geographic distribution:
Restricted to Mbowe Island, Lake Malawi.
Sexual dimorphism:
Males are larger and show a yellow and blue coloration pattern. Females are gray
brown and display the same black markings in the fins as males.
Special notes:
This species is a member of the kingsizei group and was formerly regarded as a
geographical variant of Maylandia sp. ‘zebra ruarwe’. It is now treated as a
distinct species due to the absence of intermediate populations and consistent
differences in coloration, particularly the larger size and yellow-and-blue color
pattern of males.
Photo gallery