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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Telmatochromis dhonti 'Mkangazi'.jpg Trematocara stigmaticum 'Mkangazi'.jpg Trematocara variabile 'Mkangazi'.jpg Tropheus polli 'Mkangazi'.jpg Tropheus sp. 'kaiser' Mkangazi.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTrematocara variabile 'Mkangazi'
Tribe / Genus: Trematocarini / Trematocara
Type locality: Moba Bay, south of M'toto, 1 km offshore, Lake Tanganyika
Biotope: Muddy bottom habitats associated with river deltas, typically at depths between 20 and 60 meters, with occasional records from very shallow water during daytime in the past.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, with a lake-wide distribution reported from multiple regions of the lake.
Typical adult size: Up to 87 mm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: No size difference between sexes. Males show a species-specific melanin pattern with two to three broad longitudinal black bands on the flanks and darker fins, while females are mainly silvery with a black spot at the beginning of the dorsal fin.
Diet: Feeds on easily digestible invertebrates, including swimming crustaceans and chironomid larvae. Feeding behavior is likely aided by the enlarged sensory pores on the head, allowing detection of prey hidden in the substrate or in turbid water.
Breeding: Spawning has not been observed directly. Reproduction is assumed to be maternal mouthbrooding, similar to related species.
Aggression: A timid and non-aggressive species.
Special notes: Identification of live individuals is difficult, as species-specific coloration is not visible at night when the fish migrate to shallower water.

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Photo: © Mattia Matarrese
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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