Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Maylandia zebra 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg Otopharynx tetrastigma 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg Placidochromis longimanus 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg Tropheops romandi 'Thumbi East Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'masimbwe' Thumbi East Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePlacidochromis longimanus 'Thumbi East Island'
Genus: Placidochromis
Type locality: Shire Bar to Fort Maguire, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Reported mainly among unrooted plants such as Ceratophyllum at about 10 m depth; also observed around rocks at approximately 20 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to the southern part of Lake Malawi.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are slightly bluish, whereas females are silver.
Breeding: Males have been observed defending muddy areas between large boulders and courting females. They may gather near rocks for breeding purposes.
Special notes: Characterized by very long pectoral fins that extend to nearly halfway along the anal-fin base. Observed individuals did not show attraction to stirred-up sediment or follow sand-grubbing cichlids, distinguishing their behavior from that of some related species.

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings