Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Placidochromis milomo 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

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

Protomelas spilonotus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Protomelas taeniolatus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Pseudotropheus crabro 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Genus:	Protomelas
Type locality:	Chilumba, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope:	Sediment-free rocky habitat on steep shores, remaining in mid-water about 1 m from the substrate and usually within the upper 5 m below the surface.
Geographic distribution:	Western shore of Lake Malawi and northeastern coast at Magunga and Lupingu, extending south of Minos Reef along the eastern shore.
Typical adult size:	Males up to about 20 cm total length; females up to approximately 16 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males develop breeding coloration and defend territories in open water. Females remain smaller and less intensely colored.
Aquarium setup:	Provide ample swimming space and rocky structures with caves. Only one adult male per aquarium is recommended.
Diet:	Carnivorous; feeds on insects and soft-bodied invertebrates that fall or are washed into the water. Forms small mid-water feeding schools and also consumes plankton when available.
Breeding:	Males defend open-water territories in the upper 5 m, but spawning occurs in caves within the rocky substrate. Females are courted in open water and led to the spawning cave.
Aggression:	Less aggressive than some other Protomelas species, but males are territorial and respond strongly to similar-looking species.
Special notes:	Distinguished by large dark spots along the base of the dorsal fin, larger than those of the dorso-lateral band. Member of the P. spilonotus group, which includes closely related, geographically separated forms with similar behavior and niche occupation.