malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Tropheops sp. 'band' Nkhata Bay
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Shallow intermediate habitats, especially transition zones between rock and sand.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from Nkhata Bay in the shallow intermediate zone.
Typical adult size: Up to approximately 12 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are blue-grey; some display a distinct black submarginal band in the dorsal fin. Females are grey with light yellowish-grey fins and are not distinguishable between banded and unbanded forms.
Aggression: Territorial males defend areas in the shallow transition zone; larger males tend to dominate in territorial disputes.
Special notes: Originally separated into two forms, Pseudotropheus ‘tropheops band’ and ‘tropheops no band’, based solely on the presence or absence of a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin of males. Because females are identical and size differences may explain territorial success, these forms are considered here to represent a single species, with unbanded individuals likely being younger males. If ever proven distinct, they would represent one of the smallest known interspecific colour differences among sympatric Lake Malawi cichlids.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Mark Thomas
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