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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Astatotilapia calliptera 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Aulonocara koningsi 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Cheilochromis euchilus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Chindongo sp. 'aggressive zebra mbenji' Mbenji Island.jpg Chindongo sp. 'elongatus mbenji brown' Mbenji Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCheilochromis euchilus 'Mbenji Island'
Genus: Cheilochromis
Type locality: Deep Bay, Chilumba, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat, mainly above sandy substrate. Common in shallow water, usually not deeper than about 8 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; lake-wide distribution and regularly encountered at many localities.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 25 cm total length. Females up to about 19 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger and develop breeding coloration. Females remain smaller.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 800 L.
Aquarium setup: Minimum tank length around 200 cm. Fine sand substrate with a few larger rocks. Leave plenty of open swimming space while still providing some rocky structure.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on invertebrates. Uses thick, fleshy lips to seal against the substrate and suck out prey, especially when feeding from rocks.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding males are sometimes seen in shallow intermediate habitat. Bower construction has not been observed. Mouthbrooding females hide among rocks and are usually solitary.
Aggression: Generally a relatively peaceful cichlid. Can be very aggressive toward very similar-looking species.
Special notes: Characterized by thick, fleshy lips forming finger-like projections on both jaws, an adaptation to its feeding strategy. Lip development varies depending on feeding substrate; sand-feeding individuals may show reduced lip swelling.

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