Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map

Protomelas taeniolatus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Pseudotropheus crabro 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Pseudotropheus galanos 'Mbenji Island'.jpg

Pseudotropheus sp. 'tursiops mbenji' Mbenji Island.jpg

Pseudotropheus sp. 'williamsi makanjila' Mbenji Island.jpg

Genus:	Pseudotropheus
Type locality:	Fuawe & Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope:	Rocky habitat without sediment. It is found at depths of 2–4 m, and also among medium-sized to large rocks in less than 10 m depth on exposed shores.
Geographic distribution:	Mbenji Islands and Nakantenga Island (Lake Malawi).
Typical adult size:	About 11 cm total length; 9 cm in females is reported. Under aquarium conditions it may exceed this and reach 15 cm TL or more.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males are larger and have longer fins. Females remain brownish with bluish hints, while males are overall bluish with orange patches, especially in the dorsal fin.
Recommended aquarium size:	An aquarium volume of 300 L is recommended; a larger tank is also stated as preferable, ideally over 400 l.
Aquarium setup:	Provide substantial rockwork with many hiding places. For one male, keeping at least 3–4 females is recommended, and the aquarium should include abundant shelter of different sizes.
Diet:	Omnivorous. Non-territorial individuals feed on plankton in the water column; territorial males feed on Aufwuchs within their territories and also take plankton.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning takes place in the male’s territory with the typical circular movements and T-shaped posture; eggs are taken into the female’s mouth and fertilized.
Aggression:	Intraspecific aggression can be high. Territorial males direct most aggression toward conspecific males, while other species may be tolerated within a territory; in community aquaria it can become intrusive and may be dangerous toward conspecifics.
Special notes:	This species occurs on exposed shores and is associated with large rocks; it forms large foraging schools of females, juveniles, and non-territorial males that may number several hundred individuals in very shallow water among large rocks and rocky pillars. It has been traded under the name “Red Top Brevis”.