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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Melanochromis auratus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Melanochromis heterochromis 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Melanochromis sp. 'robustus mbenji' Mbenji Island.jpg Mylochromis labidodon 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Nimbochromis linni 'Mbenji Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMelanochromis sp. 'robustus mbenji' Mbenji Island
Genus: Melanochromis
Biotope: Intermediate habitat at depths of approximately 10–15 meters.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to the Mbenji Islands, Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Estimated total length about 12 cm; females remain approximately one quarter smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males in breeding coloration show a complete reversed pattern and have a darker ground colour with broad vertical bars. Females exhibit distinct barring and lack the bright yellow bars seen in M. baliodigma.
Diet: Scavenger-like feeder attracted to stirred-up sediment. Observed apparently chewing on invertebrate prey hidden in loose sediment around rocks.
Breeding: Only a single breeding male has been observed. The male defended a large shallow cave beneath a boulder on sand and courted females in front of the cave. Spawning has not yet been documented.
Special notes: Closely resembles M. mpoto but differs by broader vertical bars and complete reversed male coloration. Breeding males resemble those of M. baliodigma but have a much darker ground colour. Population density appears very low and the distribution is highly restricted.

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