Cynotilapia chilundu
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cynotilapia chilundu faces significant pressure from overfishing and habitat degradation within its restricted Lake Malawi range. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for the aquarium trade due to its attractive coloration and specialized rocky habitat requirements. Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and coastal development threatens the clear water conditions essential for this cichlid's feeding and breeding behaviors.
Habitat
This endemic cichlid inhabits the rocky shores and intermediate depths of Lake Malawi, typically found among boulder fields and rocky outcrops at depths of 5-20 meters. The species requires clear, well-oxygenated water with complex rock formations that provide both feeding opportunities and breeding territories.
