Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Nyassachromis serenus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Petrotilapia sp. 'fuscous' Mbenji Island.jpg

Petrotilapia sp. 'yellow chin' Mbenji Island.jpg

Placidochromis milomo 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Protomelas sp. 'mbenji thick-lip' Mbenji Island.jpg

Petrotilapia sp. 'yellow chin' Mbenji Island

Genus:	Petrotilapia
Biotope:	Shallow rocky and intermediate habitats; most numerous among medium-sized and large rocks. Usually recorded down to 6 m, locally restricted to the upper 3 m.
Geographic distribution:	Southern Lake Malawi, from Mbenji Islands and Namalenje to Maleri Islands and along the eastern shore from Makanjila to Chuanga north of Metangula (Mozambique).
Typical adult size:	Commonly 17 cm for males and 12 cm for females; individuals up to about 18 cm total length are recorded.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males larger and more colorful, royal to sky blue with orange-yellow underparts, especially on throat and cheeks; fins broader with larger anal ocelli. Females brown with a melanin pattern combining vertical bars and longitudinal stripes.
Recommended aquarium size:	600 L.
Aquarium setup:	Large aquarium with substantial rockwork and caves. Avoid keeping with other Petrotilapia species, especially similar forms. Maintain alkaline, moderately hard water with regular maintenance; temperature around 25 °C.
Diet:	Herbivorous; scrapes algae from aufwuchs using broad, fleshy lips and tricuspid teeth adapted for combing loose material from rock surfaces.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend caves among large rocks and court females, sometimes several meters beyond their territories. Females incubate the eggs for approximately three weeks.
Aggression:	Males highly aggressive toward conspecific males; generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes:	Closely related to P. tridentiger but not found sympatrically with it. Recognizable by the steep frontal profile and male coloration with yellow chin and underparts. Among the largest and most trophically specialized members of the genus.