Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa. Prefers sandy or sediment-rich bottoms with scattered rocks or shells where it can hunt.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Golden-yellow body with brown blotches mimicking giraffe patterns. Males develop blue iridescence on the face and dorsal fin during breeding. Exhibits “ambush” behavior—playing dead to lure smaller prey.

Purpose
Serves as a visually dominant, interactive predator in African cichlid tanks. Adds both dramatic pattern and movement to open water zones.

Importance
Offers educational value through complex predatory behavior. Helps balance hyperactive mbuna tanks and adds vertical interest due to its size and posture.

Included Resources
Needs open swimming room, sandy substrate, and structures for territory. High-capacity filtration is critical. Not for planted tanks—may dig or uproot.

Best Use Cases
Ideal for large Malawi haplochromine setups with other robust species. Not suitable for nano tanks or delicate fish.

Conservation Context
Populations remain healthy in Lake Malawi. Aquarists help reduce wild harvesting by supporting captive breeding programs.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Other large Malawi haps (e.g., Protomelas, Placidochromis)
• Large Synodontis catfish
• Robust cichlids like Blue Dolphins (Cyrtocara moorii)
• Avoid small fish or slow tankmates (they may be eaten)

Region (A)
• Latitude: -12.1527° S
• Longitude: 34.7354° E
(South-Central Lake Malawi)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -14.0400° S
• Longitude: 33.0869° E
(Southern Lake Malawi basin)