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Metriaclima lanisticola, which has several geographical variants, can be found almost all around Lake Malawi with the exception of the eastern coast north of Makanjila Point; they can also be found in Lake Malombe which is situated southern of Lake Malawi and is directly connected with it through the Shire River. They are living there in intermediate zones from rocks to sand and in sandy environments but only when there are shells in the area in which they can hide. This male variant was found near Chimwalani Reef in the southern part of the lake. In Lake Malawi the males of these species can grow to 6 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 9 cm, females grow to about 7 cm. The cichlid species which are found in Lake Malombe seems to stay smaller then in Lake Malawi and they seem to become sexually active earlier, probably this is because they live under pressure due to the overfishing in that lake. Metriaclioma lanisticola is a very peaceful cichlid, in general they are very tolerant against other inhabitants. You can best keep this species with big shells on the bottom of the aquarium and with multiple females and other peaceful species. In the lake they are seeking the sand for food and they eat algae which they find on the shells and rubble. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algea like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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