Offshore Cichlids of Lake Malawi

This book, the first ever guide to the cichlid fishes of the off-shore waters of lake malawi, shows that this habitat harbours a great diversity of little known cichlid species, which dominate the catches of the commercial and artisanal food fisheries. How they evolved, how they continue to coexist, and how to manage their exploitation for food while conserving these unique species will be major challenges to scientists and policymakers. Aquarists will be fascinated by the wealth of previously unknown brilliantly-colored and bizarrely-shaped species. Information on distinguishing features, color, size, distribution and abundance, commercial importance, diet, reproduction, and taxonomy are given for 199 species, 79 of which are presently undescribed. 186 color and 44 black and white photographs illustrate all species. Also included are figures showing the main distinguishing features of the fish, maps, a glossary of technical terms, a full bibliography and brief discussion of the evolution, ecology, and conservation of these fishes.