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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Diplotaxodon macrops 'South East Arm'.jpg Diplotaxodon sp. 'ecclesi white dorsal' South East Arm.jpg Lethrinops argenteus 'South East Arm'.jpg Lethrinops christyi 'South East Arm'.jpg Lethrinops gossei 'South East Arm'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageLethrinops argenteus 'South East Arm'
Genus: Lethrinops
Type locality: Near Langenburg (Lumbila), Lake Nyassa (Lake Malawi).
Biotope: Open sandy habitats. A demersal species associated with sandy substrates in shallow to intermediate depths.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi, with confirmed records restricted to the northern part of the lake. No verified occurrences are known from the southern basin.
Typical adult size: Up to about 19 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger than females. Live coloration is unknown; preserved specimens show pale body coloration with faint vertical barring and prominent ocelli on the anal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: Large aquarium required due to adult size and open-bottom swimming behaviour.
Aquarium setup: Extensive fine sand substrate is essential. Maintain large open sandy areas with minimal hardscape. Best kept with other peaceful, sand-dwelling cichlids.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates extracted from sand by substrate sifting.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend sandy spawning sites and court females over open substrate.
Aggression: Generally peaceful within the species and towards other species.
Special notes: A poorly known northern Lake Malawi species with limited confirmed distribution. Live coloration remains unknown.

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Photo: © George Turner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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