Malaŵi Cichlids in Their Natural Habitat

About this book

No lake in the world contains such a diversified and distinctive community of cichlid fishes as Lake Malaŵi. The total number of cichlid species in the lake is now estimated at about 1000, which is about 200 more than all the freshwater fish species of the North American Continent combined! And there is every indication that still more remain to be discovered.

This fifth, revised, edition of the definitive study of Lake Malaŵi cichlids discusses and illustrates more species than any previous publication. Basing his study on more than 1700 hours of underwater observations all over the lake, the author characterizes the species by their habitat preference, distribution, feeding and breeding behavior, and coloration. More than 1750 excellent photographs illustrate the cichlid fauna of the entire lake. Almost all of these photographs were taken in the lake and show the fishes in their natural habitat.

Over the years Malaŵi cichlids, which are among the most colorful freshwater fishes known, have become very popular among aquarists as they are easy to maintain and breed in captivity. And in recent years an ever-increasing number of aquarists, interested in the natural environment of their fishes, have been inspired to visit Malaŵi and observe the cichlids in the lake itself. Only those who have done so can truly understand the exhilaration and feeling of fulfillment this entails, but Malaŵi Cichlids in Their Natural Habitat offers everyone a unique opportunity to share a little of that enjoyment.

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