Malawi Cichlids -- Feeding Behavior by Ad Konings, 2008. Cichlid Press, DVD, ~ 56 minutes. List price 24.95 US.

Ever wonder what it would be like to dive on Lake Malawi, to literally swim with the fishes? The opening of this DVD is a dazzling display of the diversity in this lake, and is accompanied by music that pulls you into the scene and makes you feel like you are swimming right along side the camera. This lecture is an excellent source of information on the numerous feeding habits of these fishes and serves as a tool to understanding why there are so many recognized species in this lake. Ad Konings eloquently presents the varied feeding habits of Malawi Cichlids beginning with mbuna and shows the viewer that these beautiful rock-dwelling fish are not strict herbivores. Although aufwuchs, the algal mat that grows on rocks, is a major source of food, there are different techniques used to exploit this food source. The DVD illustrates how a combination of tooth structure, teeth spacing, mouth structure, and even body motion all influence feeding behaviors.

Have you ever wondered why Placidochromis milomo has such large, fleshy lips? Are there plant eaters in Lake Malawi? What is so different about peacocks that separate them from other Haplochromides? Is Nimbochromis livingstonii really an ambush predator that plays dead? There are even more unique feeding habits illustrated in the lecture as well. Konings shows us species that act as cleaner fish and a few that feed on fins, scales, and even the skin of other fish.

Konings delves into Cynotilapia and shows the viewer how different this Genus is from other Zebra-like mbuna. We are also given a sneak peak at the proposed reclassification of a unique group of mbuna. In addition, Konings explains what a type species is, using Pseudotropheus williamsi, and at the same time educates the viewer as to why so many Pseudotropheus species have been or perhaps will be reclassified in the future.

Konings’ gives us a vivid presentation into the wonderful world of Malawi Cichlids in a clear manor that everyone will understand and enjoy. The amount of information in this seminar is phenomenal and yet at the same time is only a tantalizing peak into Lake Malawi. I have been fortunate enough to see this seminar in person and I am thrilled by the opportunity to add this DVD to my collection. For those of you that have not yet been to one of Ad Konings’ seminars, here is your opportunity.