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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Tropheops sp. 'mbenji blue' Mbenji Island
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Wave-washed rocky habitat as well as sediment-free rocky regions. Unlike several surge-restricted congeners, this species occupies a broader portion of the rocky biotope.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Mbenji Island in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Approximately 10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males defend territories above large rocks. The overall coloration of males can resemble that of Tropheops sp. ‘mbenji yellow’, but the latter is distinguished by a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin.
Diet: Feeds on biocover and filamentous algae, which are removed by jerking twists of the body while grazing from rocky surfaces.
Aggression: Males are strongly territorial and defend large rocks as their domain, chasing away intruders, especially conspecific males.
Special notes: Occurs in sympatry with Tropheops sp. ‘mbenji yellow’, which inhabits sediment-rich areas around the island. The two are distinguished by the presence of a black submarginal dorsal band in the latter. The broader habitat use of T. sp. ‘mbenji blue’ may relate to the limited number of competing Tropheops species at Mbenji Island.

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