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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Neolamprologus sp. 'modestus mahale' Bulu Point.jpg Neolamprologus sp. 'modestus mahale' Halembe.jpg Neolamprologus sp. 'modestus mahale' Karilani Island.jpg Neolamprologus sp. 'modestus mahale' Kekese.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus sp. 'modestus mahale' Halembe
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Biotope: Rocky and intermediate habitats. The species occurs among rocks and sand and has been reported from depths down to approximately 35 metres.
Geographic distribution: Tanzania, between Ikola and Katumba Point. A similar population has also been reported from Halembe, north of the Mahale Mountains.
Typical adult size: Up to approximately 12 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: No clear sexual dimorphism; males grow larger than females and may develop a more pronounced frontal hump.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 L for a bonded pair; larger aquaria are recommended for group setups.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should contain several distinct rock piles, combined with a fine sand substrate on the bottom.
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds mainly on various invertebrates and occasionally on small snails.
Breeding: Breeds throughout the year. A high reproductive output has been reported, with approximately 200–500 eggs per spawning. In the wild, males may live in a harem with several females, while in aquaria the species often forms pairs, with the male described as relatively tolerant toward the female.
Aggression: Generally calmer than N. christyi, but it defends its territory very actively, especially when guarding eggs and fry.
Special notes: Neolamprologus sp. ‘modestus mahale’ represents a distinct modestus-like form within the N. modestus species complex. Compared to true N. modestus it differs mainly in fin coloration and caudal-fin pattern. The dorsal fin shows an orange margin with a lilac submargin and an additional orange horizontal stripe below, while the caudal fin has a relatively thick orange margin with a lilac submargin and an orange vertical stripe or diffuse field posterior to that submargin.

In contrast to true N. modestus, which typically has a very rounded caudal fin that is often divided into upper and lower colour zones, the caudal fin in this form is not divided and the coloured margin extends across the entire fin. In populations at Sibwesa and farther north, the caudal fin may be slightly indented rather than truncate or straight-cut.

Compared to N. sp. ‘modestus mpimbwe’, this form lacks the bluish beige body tone and the thin yellow and blue submargins on the dorsal and caudal fins characteristic of that species. In addition, N. sp. ‘modestus mahale’ differs in caudal-fin shape, which is not truncate or straight-cut as in N. sp. ‘modestus mpimbwe’, and by its distinct orange and lilac fin pattern. Behaviourally, both forms have not been observed uncovering prey by beating the caudal fin on the substrate.

Throughout the southern quarter of its geographic distribution, N. sp. ‘modestus mahale’ occurs sympatrically with N. sp. ‘eseki’.

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Photo: © Benoit Jonas
Photo: © Benoit Jonas
Photo: © Benoit Jonas
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