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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Nyassachromis sp. 'eucinostomus yellow' South East Arm.jpg Otopharynx alpha 'South East Arm'.jpg Otopharynx auromarginatus 'South East Arm'.jpg Otopharynx panniculus 'South East Arm'.jpg Otopharynx peridodeka 'South East Arm'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageOtopharynx auromarginatus 'South East Arm'
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Lake Malawi
Biotope: Associated with sandy substrates; breeding activity takes place on sand at depths between 10–25 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; distributed throughout the lake, with most collected specimens originating from the southern region.
Typical adult size: Up to 25 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males are completely blue and exhibit bright yellow margins on the dorsal and anal fins.
Diet: Observed feeding on sediment lying on the sand surface.
Breeding: Breeding males are territorial and construct large spawning pits in sand, approximately 1 m in diameter, forming a shallow structure with a rim raised about 10 cm above the substrate; spawning sites are spaced at least 8–10 m apart.
Aggression: Males are territorial during the breeding period.
Special notes: The species name refers to the gold-edged dorsal and anal fins of breeding males.

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