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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Pseudotropheus williamsi 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus williamsi Maingano Island.jpg Pseudotropheus williamsi 'Membe Point'.jpg
Previous pagePseudotropheus williamsi 'Membe Point'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Shallow rocky and intermediate habitats, typically associated with large to medium-sized rocks in turbulent or sheltered areas, around 2–3 m depth.
Geographic distribution: Around Likoma and Chizumulu Islands.
Typical adult size: At least 15 cm total length in the wild.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are more colourful with longer fins and larger ocelli than females.
Recommended aquarium size: A tank volume preferably over 400 l is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide abundant rock structures with numerous shelters and visual barriers. If several dominant males are maintained, the aquarium should measure about 2 m in length to enable the establishment of separate territories.
Diet: Feeds mainly on aufwuchs, zooplankton and insects; members of the complex may leap from the water to catch insects. In the aquarium, it readily accepts a wide range of foods.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning follows typical mbuna circular courtship with a T-shaped posture, after which the female incubates the brood alone.
Aggression: A large and territorial mbuna that may become highly aggressive towards conspecifics and intrusive towards other species in the aquarium.
Special notes: Type species of Pseudotropheus and representative of the P. williamsi group. Dominant males are plain blue and exhibit thick black submarginal bands in the dorsal and anal fins. Females of the complex display two rows of black spots on the body.

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