Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Placidochromis
Type locality:	Thumbi West Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope:	Moderately common along rocky shores, typically recorded at depths between 9 m and more than 30 m, including deeper rocky habitats.
Geographic distribution:	Lake Malawi, with a lake-wide distribution.
Typical adult size:	Up to approximately 20 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism:	Sexually active males obscure the neutral pattern of broad vertical bars. The irregular bars are clearly visible in females and non-breeding individuals.
Diet:	Feeds on small benthic invertebrates, including insect larvae and crustaceans, with ostracods and diatoms also recorded. Mbuna fry are occasionally taken.
Breeding:	Sexually active males may defend a spawning site only in the presence of rival males. Courtship often occurs in open water and spawning takes place immediately if the female is receptive. Females mouthbrood and continue to guard their offspring after release.
Aggression:	Territorial behaviour is limited and usually expressed only when several breeding males encounter one another.
Special notes:	Characterized by hypertrophied, rubber-like lips and a pattern of irregular, broad vertical bars, of which only four are located below the dorsal-fin base. The bar pattern is unique among thick-lipped haplochromines of Lake Malawi and has led to repeated confusion with Abactochromis labrosus, which differs in bar number and body scalation.