Sciaenochromis sp. "nyassae". Photo by Ad Konings Sciaenochromis sp. "nyassae" is a Lake Malawi predatory cichlid, closely related to the popular Sciaenochromis fryeri. S. sp. nyassae is found in the southern part of the lake in the intermediate zone between rocks and sand. Here it spends its...

Nimbochromis polystigma. Photo by Ad Konings Nimbochromis polystigma is a piscivore found throughout Lake Malawi. Its preferred habitat are areas with a mix of rocks and sand that support vegetation. In this biotype N. polystigma hunts in groups or individually. When alone, N. polystigma can...

Champsochromis spilorhynchus. Photo by Ad Konings Champsochromis spilorhynchus is a pursuit predator found throughout Lake Malawi. Reaching over a foot in length, C. spilorhynchus will chase down anything it can fit into its mouth. Its prey consists mostly of haplochromines and mbuna. Males...

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus. Photo by Ad Konings A true predator from Lake Tanganyika, Lepidiolamprologus elongatus can be found throughout the lake along rocky shores hunting for prey. L. elongatus is sleek, fast and powerful. Reaching over 13 inches in length, this species can chase down...

Buccochromis rhoadesii. Photo by Ad Konings Buccochromis rhoadesii is another large piscivore from Lake Malawi. Mature males can reach almost 14 inches in length while females are a little smaller. Found mostly in sheltered bays over muddy bottoms, B. rhoadesii is widely distributed in the...

Aristochromis christyi. Photo by Ad Konings A large predator from Lake Malawi, Aristochromis christyi can be found in transition zones between rocks and sand. Although found throughout the lake, actually spotting A. christyi is rare. The only member of the genus which gets its name from the...

Sciaenochromis psammophilus. Photo by Ad Konings Sciaenochromis psammophilus is a Lake Malawi hunter found in various locations throughout the central and western parts of the lake. Unlike its popular cousin Sciaenochromis fryeri, S. psammophilus is rarely seen in the hobby. This is probably...

Rhamphochromis esox. Photo by Ad Konings Rhamphochromis esox is a large, sleek predator found close to shore throughout Lake Malawi. Reaching upwards of 17 inches, R. esox primarily hunts freshwater sardine, but will consume any fish it can fit into its mouth. A maternal mouthbroader with...

Dimidiochromis kiwinge. Photo by Ad Konings Found throughout Lake Malawi, Dimidiochromis kiwinge is a large and aggressive predator that often hunts in large packs. Its preferred prey is the small Malawi sardine, but D. kiwinge will gladly consume any fish that will fit in its mouth. Males...

Neolamprologus cylindricus. Photo by Ad Konings Neolamprologus cylindricus is a rock-dwelling predator found in Lake Tanganyika feeding mostly on small fish and crustaceans. N. cylindricus gets its name from the streamlined, cylinder shape of its body. Its shape resembles that of a closely...