Chindongo saulosi
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Chindongo saulosi faces severe threats from the aquarium trade, which has led to intensive collection from its extremely limited natural range. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from sedimentation and pollution in Lake Malawi, while its restricted distribution to a single rocky reef system makes it exceptionally vulnerable to any localized disturbances or environmental changes.
Habitat
This cichlid is endemic to a single rocky reef system in the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi, specifically around Taiwan Reef near Chizumulu Island. It inhabits shallow rocky areas with complex boulder formations at depths of 3-15 meters, where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates among the crevices.
