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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Pseudotropheus crabro 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus galanos 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'tursiops mbenji' Mbenji Island.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'williamsi makanjila' Mbenji Island.jpg Sciaenochromis fryeri 'Mbenji Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus sp. 'tursiops mbenji' Mbenji Island
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Biotope: Very shallow intermediate habitat among medium-sized rocks in sediment-free zones, mostly between 1–3 m depth, with some individuals down to 6 m.
Geographic distribution: Only known from around Mbenji Island in Lake Malawi.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger, bluer and have longer fins than females.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of around 400 L or more is preferable.
Aquarium setup: Provide abundant rockwork with crevices and caves.
Diet: Herbivorous “dolphin mbuna” feeding on aufwuchs, using a narrow, elongated snout to crop algae from deep crevices and gripping algae on flat surfaces with the sides of the pointed jaws.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories and spawning takes place in caves. Incubation lasts around three weeks.
Aggression: Aggressive intraspecifically and interspecifically, with males strongly territorial and females often defending feeding territories.
Special notes: An undescribed member of the “dolphin mbuna” group characterized by an elongated, beak-like snout. Dominant males show clear vertical barring while horizontal stripes are not visible, and males defend territories vigorously.

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