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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Pseudotropheus likomae 'Likoma Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus likomae 'Ndomo Point'.jpg
Previous pagePseudotropheus likomae 'Ndomo Point'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Mbuzi Island, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate and sandy habitats, usually in water less than 15 m deep. Juveniles have been observed inhabiting empty Lanistes nyassanus shells, whereas individuals displaying both horizontal stripes are not associated with shells.
Geographic distribution: Recorded around Likoma Island and its surrounding cluster islands, including Mbuzi Island.
Typical adult size: Largest type specimen 76.5 mm standard length, approximately 9 cm total length.
Diet: Feeds in groups without defending feeding territories. Individuals pick food items from sand or rocks; open-mouth combing of algal matrices has not been observed. When plankton is abundant, feeding also occurs in the water column.
Special notes: Characterized by numerous small scales on the nape and chest, an abrupt transition from large flank scales to smaller chest scales, and the presence of true ocelli. Adults show a basic melanin pattern of 5–7 vertical bars (five or fewer below the dorsal fin) together with a mid-lateral and a dorso-lateral stripe, a combination that distinguishes mature individuals from other mbuna, including Pseudotropheus livingstonii. Juveniles may lack distinct horizontal elements and resemble juvenile P. livingstonii, making reliable separation at that stage difficult.

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Photo: © Larry Johnson
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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