Blue Orchid Aulonocara

Aulonocara kandeense, the blue orchid aulonacara, is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi where it occurs only around Kande Island, in Malawian waters. It is found in a mixed habitat where rocky areas meet softer substrates. The breeding males are found at a mean depth of 8 metres (26 ft) They sift their food from the sand and this is made up of small invertebrates.

It detects the movements of tiny prey under the surface of the sand. The males are territorial and they defend their territories where the sand meets rockier areas. The females gather in large schools to forage, and these can count over 100 fishes, over the open sand a few metres away from any rocks.

spawning occurs within a cave or cavity within the male's cave, which usually near the lake bed. There can be over 100 fry in a brood.

This endemic cichlid inhabits the rocky shores and intermediate depths around Kande Island in Lake Malawi, typically found at depths of 10-40 meters. It prefers areas with sandy substrates interspersed with rocky outcrops where it can forage for invertebrates and establish territories.