Deep-water habitats deeper than 50 m, associated with subdued light conditions.
Geographic distribution:
Collected in the southern part of Lake Malawi along the SW–SE transect north of
the Nankumba Peninsula, in the SE Arm along the Mazinzi–Kadango transect, off Msaka
village, and in the SW Arm, Malawi.
Typical adult size:
Deep-water Placidochromis species are generally small, with most remaining under
10 cm standard length.
Special notes:
Placidochromis elongatus is included in group 1 of the deep-living
Placidochromis assemblage, which contains the very elongate species. It can be
distinguished from P. longus by having a longer snout and by possessing 6–7 vertical
bars below the dorsal fin. The deep-water Placidochromis represent a distinct assemblage
inhabiting and breeding in dimly lit depths beyond accessible shallow waters.
Photo gallery