malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Stigmatochromis modestus 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Stigmatochromis woodi 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Taeniochromis holotaenia 'Mbenji Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'mbenji blue' Mbenji Island.jpg Tropheops sp. 'mbenji yellow' Mbenji Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTaeniochromis holotaenia 'Mbenji Island'
Genus: Taeniochromis
Type locality: Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sandy-bottom areas, typically at 15–35 m depth and reported as most common around 15–18 m; also described from a sand zone bordering the transition zone, with breeding arenas associated with stones in the shallower, sand-running transition zone. Some habitats include small patches of aquatic plants such as Vallisneria.
Geographic distribution: Widespread around Lake Malawi in suitable habitats.
Typical adult size: Up to 170 mm standard length, with reported maximum total length of about 20–22 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically larger and more colourful than females and tend to have longer fins, although these differences may be subtle in sexually inactive males.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 800 L or more with a minimum tank length of 200 cm is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Use sandy substrate with only a few large, scattered stones to reflect a sand-running transition zone; low, loose stands of Vallisneria may be used if they do not significantly reduce open swimming space.
Diet: A carnivorous pursuit hunter that targets small fishes; fish remains have been documented in examined stomach contents, and invertebrates are also indicated as possible prey. Pack-hunting has been reported, with groups that may include over one hundred individuals, sometimes alongside other species.
Breeding: Males develop blue breeding colours with yellowish fins and excavate a very shallow dip in sand, usually near a rock and sometimes beneath one. Mouthbrooding females remain over sand and may be encountered in small groups.
Aggression: Generally described as not very aggressive and relatively non-territorial in aquaria, though males defend spawning sites during the breeding period. Small tankmates that fit in the mouth may be consumed.
Special notes: Diagnosed by a thick, dark longitudinal band along the flank that continues into an interocular bar; upper-jaw teeth are simple and closely spaced. It is not commonly imported, and males may take a long time to colour; in aquaria they often retain the juvenile/female longitudinal band for extended periods.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Mark Smith
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si