Malawi cichlid
Ichthyologists have estimated that Lake Malawi is home to between 600-800 species of cichlids. As of 2005 they have described around three hundred of these species. Nearly all of the cichlids in Lake Malawi are endemic species and are found only in Lake Malawi. The cichlids of Lake Malawi can be divided into two unique sub groups, the Mbuna and the Haps.
Mbuna
The Mbuna (pronounced "um-boo-na") means rock dwelling in the local language. Mubna cichlids live in the shallow rocky waters near the shore and in the reefs around the islands of the lake. In the wild these fish can be seen in large groups however these are not schooling fish. Mubna are typically smaller than most other types of cichlids. Mbuna display bright pastel like colors of bars and stripes. Both sexes of Mbuna are extraordinarily colorful, with males displaying brighter colors. In some species the less dominant male will take on female coloration to avoid disputes. Also in the absence of any males the dominant female may take on male coloration. Because of their vibrant colors and interesting behavior, mbuna cichlids are very popular in the aquarium hobby.
Diet
Many Mbuna are exclusively Herbivores (exceptions include Labidochromis and a few other genera). The digestion tracts of Mbuna are made for digesting algae matter. They have long intestines designed to extract the proteins and carbohydrates from the algae they graze on. Most mbuna also supplement their diets with small insects and snails they find in the algae beds.
Haps (Haplochromis Hilgendorf)
The name Hap is really an informality because many of the fish we call Haps today once belonged to the broad genus Haplochromis Hilgendorf. The Haps of Lake Malawi live away from the rocks and the mbuna and spend their time swimming the open waters alone.
Diet
Most Haps are piscivores, which means that they eat other fish--predominantly other small Cichlids, although some haps (like the Copadichromis) feed on zooplankton.
References
- The South African zoological society
- Research Paper; Salzburger, Mack, Verheyen, A. Meyer; Out Of Tanganyika Haplochromine Origins
- Barlow (2000) On The Chiclid Fishes
- Snoeks (ed.) (2004) on The cichlid diversity of Lake Malawi: Identification, distribution and taxonomy