The cichlid fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa are extraordinary biological assemblages.
Conservation strategies are urgently needed for these fish faunas, due to increased threats
from over-fishing, habitat degradation and species introductions. Here I investigate the
patterns of biodiversity of the rock-dwelling cichlid fishes (known as mbuna) of Lake Malawi
and present a series of recommendations to enhance their conservation Specifically, I
examine intralacustrine biogeographic distributions and diversity, and levels of endemism
for both mbuna species and genera The biogeographic patterns show a high degree of variation
for both taxonomic designations. Significant relationships are found between diversity and
distribution patterns. Speciose genera are more widespread and habitats close to other lands
support higher biodiversity than in isolated islands. The results indicate that the genus
level may be the appropriate taxonomic designation to consider for conservation purposes,
and that areas of high generic endemism such as the Maleri Islands, are significant for
conservation. In order to account for geographic variation in biodiversity, consideration
should be given to expanding Lake Malawi National Park boundaries to include areas in the
northern and central parts of the lake, especially Likoma and Chisumulu Islands and Nkhata
Bay. I discuss the establishment of an international park and the expansion of conservation
efforts to include the non-mbuna cichlids. An ecosystem approach to biodiversity conservation
and management is advocated.