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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia zebra 'Sanga'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Taiwanee Reef'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Thumbi Point'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMaylandia zebra 'Thumbi East Island'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima zebra 'Thumbi East Island'</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Rocky habitat largely free of sediment, typically at depths between 5 and 10 meters. The species is strictly associated with rocks that provide shelter and spawning sites.
Geographic distribution: Widespread in Lake Malawi, occurring from Cape Manulo to Kande Island, around Namalenje Island, the Nankumba Peninsula, Boadzulu Island, and from Makanjila Point to Mala Point. It is also found from Mbamba Bay to Lundu, from Lumbila to Ikombe on the eastern shore, around Likoma Island, and at Taiwanee Reef.
Typical adult size: In the wild, males usually reach about 12 cm total length, while females are typically 1–2 cm smaller. In the aquarium, both sexes can grow several centimeters larger than in nature.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are blue with distinct black vertical bars, while females are never blue and show various shades of beige to brown. Females are also noticeably smaller than males.
Recommended aquarium size: A minimum aquarium volume of about 400 liters is recommended, with a minimum tank length of approximately 140 cm.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should contain abundant rockwork with numerous hiding places to mimic the natural rocky habitat. It is recommended to keep one male with at least three to four females, or in larger groups. Due to its strong temperament and high aggression, it is best kept with other robust, algae-grazing mbuna species to help distribute aggression.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous and classified as an algae-grazing mbuna. It feeds mainly on diatoms and other algae from the aufwuchs, but it is not a strict aufwuchs specialist and also feeds on plankton in the water column.
Breeding: Breeding males defend territories centered around caves among the rocks, often at the base of large boulders. Territories usually border one another closely. Females form foraging schools but spawn individually inside the male’s cave. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and usually hide among the rocks while incubating eggs and fry.
Aggression: Highly aggressive and territorial, especially males. Aggression is pronounced both within the species and toward other species, although females are generally less aggressive.
Special notes: This is the classic “Zebra Cichlid” and one of the most widespread and variable mbuna species in Lake Malawi. Numerous geographical variants are known, including forms such as the so-called Blue Blaze Zebras from the northeastern part of the lake. Despite its variability, it is one of the most common and well-established mbuna species in both the wild and the aquarium hobby.

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Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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