Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Chindongo bellicosus 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Chindongo sp. 'elongatus thumbi' Thumbi West Island.jpg Copadichromis borleyi 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Cynotilapia zebroides 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageChindongo sp. 'elongatus thumbi' Thumbi West Island
Genus: Chindongo
Biotope: Rocky habitat. Occupies shallow to intermediate rocky zones typical of elongatus-type mbuna.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi. Associated with the Thumbi Island area.
Typical adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are slightly larger and more intensely colored. Females remain duller and show shorter fins.
Recommended aquarium size: 250–300 L.
Aquarium setup: Rock-dominated layout with many caves and crevices. Stable rock structures are essential for territory formation and line-of-sight breaks.
Diet: Herbivorous. Feeds mainly on algae and associated microorganisms (aufwuchs).
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. No detailed population-specific breeding data available.
Aggression: Moderate to high intraspecific aggression. Territorial males may become aggressive, especially during breeding.
Special notes: Undescribed elongatus-type population from the Thumbi West Island

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings