malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Maylandia zebra 'Undu Reef'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Maylandia zebra X Maylandia pyrsonotos 'Makanjila Rocks'.jpg
Previous page<font color=red>Maylandia zebra X Maylandia pyrsonotos 'Makanjila Rocks'</font><br><font color=gray>Metriaclima zebra X Metriaclima pyrsonotos 'Makanjila Rocks'</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: DNA analyses have shown that the population from Makanjila Point represents a natural hybrid, originating from M. zebra males found north of Makanjila Point and M. pyrsonotos females from Chimwalani Reef.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si