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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Pseudotropheus galanos.jpg Pseudotropheus galanos 'Fuawe Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus galanos 'Mbenji Island'.jpg
Next pagePseudotropheus galanos (unknown locality)
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Fuawe & Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Rocky habitat without sediment. It is found at depths of 2–4 m, and also among medium-sized to large rocks in less than 10 m depth on exposed shores.
Geographic distribution: Mbenji Islands and Nakantenga Island (Lake Malawi).
Typical adult size: About 11 cm total length; 9 cm in females is reported. Under aquarium conditions it may exceed this and reach 15 cm TL or more.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and have longer fins. Females remain brownish with bluish hints, while males are overall bluish with orange patches, especially in the dorsal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 300 L is recommended; a larger tank is also stated as preferable, ideally over 400 l.
Aquarium setup: Provide substantial rockwork with many hiding places. For one male, keeping at least 3–4 females is recommended, and the aquarium should include abundant shelter of different sizes.
Diet: Omnivorous. Non-territorial individuals feed on plankton in the water column; territorial males feed on Aufwuchs within their territories and also take plankton.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning takes place in the male’s territory with the typical circular movements and T-shaped posture; eggs are taken into the female’s mouth and fertilized.
Aggression: Intraspecific aggression can be high. Territorial males direct most aggression toward conspecific males, while other species may be tolerated within a territory; in community aquaria it can become intrusive and may be dangerous toward conspecifics.
Special notes: This species occurs on exposed shores and is associated with large rocks; it forms large foraging schools of females, juveniles, and non-territorial males that may number several hundred individuals in very shallow water among large rocks and rocky pillars. It has been traded under the name “Red Top Brevis”.

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