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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia xanthos 'Lumbaulo'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima xanthos 'Lumbaulo'</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Lumbaulo, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat at depths of approximately 10–20 meters, consisting of mixed rock and sand. The sandy bottom and rocks are often covered with a layer of muddy sediment, and the bottom slope ranges from gently shelving to locally steep.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to a short section of the Mozambique shoreline of Lake Malawi, from Lumbaulo to Mesuli Point, a stretch of approximately 5.5 km.
Typical adult size: Adult males are estimated to reach about 9 cm total length, while females probably do not exceed about 7 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males have blue-gray flanks with six to seven brown bars, a yellow belly, yellow dorsal fin with blue lappets, and a dark anal fin with orange ocelli. Females are yellow-brown with faint brown bars, a yellow breast, and lighter, yellow-brown unpaired fins.
Diet: Feeds primarily on phytoplankton, but also browses loose algae from the aufwuchs on rocks by combing diatoms and short algal strands from the algal matrix.
Breeding: Males are territorial and defend burrows under rocks or among small piles of rocks. Spawning takes place inside the male’s burrow. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and are usually found solitary while carrying eggs or fry.
Aggression: Territorial males can be aggressive, while females and non-territorial individuals are generally solitary or occur in small groups.
Special notes: This species is a member of the Aurora group and has a very restricted distribution. It has never been observed in large numbers and breeding males have been recorded at greater depths than is typical for related species.

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