| Scientific Name: Metriaclima lanisticola |
| Pronunciation: m
|
| Common Name(s): Metriaclima livingstonii |
| Habitat: Sand, in and around Empty Shells |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Temperament: Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 3" |
| Temperature: 78 - 82°F |
| pH: 7.8 - 8.6 |
| Water Hardness: Hard |
| Difficulty: 2 |
Images: |
Photo 1 Adult Adult Adult |
Photo Credit: Jonathan Penyack |
Comments: |
The Malawi shell dweller, Metriaclima sp. lanisticola north lives in empty shells from the Lanisticola snail. Apart from a typical mbuna shape, lanisticola north has a smaller mouth and the head has a smooth slope. The body coloration is variable. The upperparts may be rusty brown while scales of the flanks are light blue and edged with copper. The body is marked with several vertical bands that may be apparent or inconspicuous. Female fish may be yellowish. The fins match the body color, except for the yellow anal fin. The caudal fin has irregular yellow and blue stripes. Females hold eggs for only 16 days. There are three populations. On the west coast north of Monkey Bay, the fish are 2.4 inch shell dwellers. Populations south of Crocodile Rock are larger and forage over sand. In between they use the intermediate habitat. At Kanchedza Island, lanisticola north has been observed cleaning fungus or parasites from the fins of other cichlids. |