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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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0.jpg Asprotilapia leptura 'Kalala Island'.jpg Chalinochromis cyanophleps 'Kalala Island'.jpg Gnatochromis permaxilliaris 'Kalala'.jpg Neolamprologus brichardi 'Kalala Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageChalinochromis cyanophleps 'Kalala Island'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Chalinochromis
Type locality: Western shore of Namansi village, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania (Rukwa Region, Nkansi District; depth 5–10 m)
Biotope: Rocky habitats with large boulders, occupying dark crevices and caves. Typically found in shaded, low-light areas, often swimming inverted beneath overhangs; rarely observed in open spaces.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to a limited section of the southeastern Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika, from Mvuna Island south to Kalala Island, including associated islands and reefs in the Kipili area.
Typical adult size: Males up to ~16 cm TL; females up to ~14 cm TL
Sexual dimorphism: No clear differences in coloration or morphology; males are on average 10–15% larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: 150 L for a single bonded pair
Aquarium setup: Dimly lit aquarium with extensive rockwork forming deep caves and narrow crevices. Best maintained as a single pair; avoid keeping together with other Chalinochromis species to prevent aggression and hybridization.
Diet: Likely feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates and insects. In aquarium, accepts frozen and high-quality prepared foods for carnivorous cichlids.
Breeding: Substrate spawner breeding deep inside dark caves. Both parents guard eggs and fry; brood sizes of around 70 juveniles documented in aquarium conditions.
Aggression: Aggressive towards conspecifics and closely related species, especially within the genus Chalinochromis.
Special notes: Described only in 2014 and still rare in aquaristics. A highly localized species with a very restricted distribution, making it potentially vulnerable despite no known direct threats.

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