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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Variabilichromis moorii 'Molwe'.jpg Variabilichromis moorii 'Mtosi'.jpg Variabilichromis moorii 'Mvuna Island'.jpg Variabilichromis moorii 'Nkondwe Island'.jpg Variabilichromis moorii 'Sumbu Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageVariabilichromis moorii 'Mvuna Island'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Variabilichromis
Type locality: Mbity Rocks and Kinyamkolo, Lake Tanganyika.
Biotope: Shallow rocky littoral habitat, typically associated with rock surfaces covered by dense growths of filamentous algae. Breeding sites are located on vertical rock faces or within crevices, often well concealed from the surrounding area.
Geographic distribution: Distributed along the shores of the southern half of Lake Tanganyika. On the west coast the range extends from Kalemie southwards, while on the east coast it reaches as far north as Cape Mpimbwe in Tanzania. The species is among the most common cichlids in shallow rocky habitats in southern Zambia.
Typical adult size: Up to 10 cm total length; in aquaria they can grow 2–3 cm larger.
Sexual dimorphism: The species is described as monomorphic, with no external morphological differences between males and females. Body shape and coloration are nearly identical, and the size difference between the sexes is minimal, with males on average only a few millimetres larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: Adult fish require a spacious aquarium; a minimum tank length of approximately 150 cm (around 400 litres) is recommended for species-appropriate care, providing sufficient space for territorial behaviour and brood defence.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should be arranged to resemble a rocky littoral zone, using extensive stone constructions that create crevices, overhangs, and small gaps. These structures serve as territories, spawning sites, and shelters for fry.
Diet: Examination of stomach contents revealed crustaceans, microorganisms, and filamentous algae. The species feeds on small invertebrates associated with the algal growth (aufwuchs) and also ingests algae incidentally. In the scientific literature it has been variously classified as herbivorous, algivorous, or an omnivore with a strong reliance on aufwuchs-associated fauna.
Breeding: Biparental substrate breeder that spawns on concealed rock surfaces in shallow water. Eggs are deposited on vertical faces or within crevices and hatch after a few days. Both parents aggressively defend the brood, and brood care may last for up to about three months, until juveniles reach approximately 3 cm. Broods of wild fish may originate in synchrony with the lunar cycle, most frequently during the first quarter moon.
Genetic studies have demonstrated multiple paternity within broods, indicating the presence of alternative reproductive tactics, including sneaker males alongside monogamous territorial males.
Aggression: Strongly territorial, especially during brood care. Both parents actively defend their territory against intruding fish. Territories may be complex, with each parent defending separate sub-areas, and the total defended area typically ranges from about 1 to 4 m² depending on depth and local conditions.
Special notes: Juvenile coloration differs markedly from that of adults. Juveniles are often yellow, beige, or orange, while adults are dark brown to black, usually with a narrow light blue or white margin on the caudal, anal, and posterior dorsal fins. The size at which juveniles change to adult coloration varies between populations, and some populations retain bright juvenile coloration until near adulthood.
The species is notable for its high genetic differentiation between populations despite pronounced morphological uniformity, a pattern interpreted as long-term morphological stasis combined with limited dispersal and strong site fidelity.

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Photo: © Tautvydas Pangonis
Photo: © Benoit Jonas
Photo: © Benoit Jonas
Photo: © Benoit Jonas
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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