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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Rhamphochromis sp. 'longiceps grey-back' South East Arm.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'longsnout' South East Arm.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'maldeco' South East Arm.jpg Rhamphochromis woodi 'South East Arm'.jpg Sciaenochromis sp. 'deep water' South East Arm.jpg
Previous pageNext pageRhamphochromis sp. 'maldeco' South East Arm
Genus: Rhamphochromis
Biotope: Moderately deep benthic habitats, mainly 60–80 m depth over soft sediments in the southern arms of Lake Malawi.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from the southern arms of Lake Malawi; not confirmed from other parts of the lake.
Typical adult size: Up to about 312 mm standard length (approximately 35 cm total length); sexual maturity sometimes from about 16–17 cm standard length.
Sexual dimorphism: Both sexes show a yellow belly and yellow to orange pelvic and anal fins. Mature males develop more extensive yellow on the throat, chest, belly, dorsal and caudal fins.
Diet: Piscivorous.
Special notes: Undescribed taxon named after the Maldeco trawling company, from whose catches many specimens were first recognized. A medium-sized species with a relatively small mouth, deep lower jaw and streamlined body that is comparatively deep at the belly. Typically shows a brownish-yellow overall cast.

Often confused with large-bodied congeners; differs from R. brevis by its smaller mouth and thinner upper jaw, and by reaching a slightly smaller maximum size. Most frequently encountered in bottom trawl catches, suggesting a predominantly benthic lifestyle.

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