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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Melanochromis wochepa 'Lumessi'
Genus: Melanochromis
Type locality: Lumessi, Lake Malawi, Mozambique
Biotope: Very shallow rocky habitat, usually not found deeper than about seven meters.
Geographic distribution: Occurs along the Mozambique shore between Nkhungu Point and the Chiloelo River.
Typical adult size: Males attain about 8 cm total length in the wild; females remain approximately one fifth smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males are solid blue without white stripes. Females and juveniles display the basic horizontal stripe pattern with thin yellow abdominal stripes and a relatively broad submarginal dorsal band.
Diet: Primarily feeds from the aufwuchs, picking algal tufts and associated small organisms from rocks.
Breeding: Males in breeding coloration are usually not strongly territorial but may defend a temporary spawning site when ready to spawn. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and typically hide among rocks while brooding.
Special notes: Distinguished from closely related species such as M. auratus, M. dialeptos, and M. mossambiquensis by male coloration and proportional differences in head and body depth.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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