Most aquarium fishes exported from Lake Malawi are cichlids of 10 rock-frequenting genera
collectively referred to by their Chitonga name, Mbuna. These fishes provide a classical
example of intralacustrine allopatric speciation. The distribution of 196 species is given
with notes on habitat preferenda, depth distribution and behaviour. Considerable emphasis
is placed on coloration and markings for identification and it is argued that they are
important for mate recognition. Brief notes are given on some of the other rocky shore fishes
particularly in the genus Cyrtocara. The value of the aquarium fish resource resides
principally in its species richness. Most Mbuna species are geographically restricted and
stenotopic. The majority occur in the upper 20 m. Mbuna are trophic specialists, but have the
ability to feed opportunistically on a variety of food resources. Resource partitioning is
effected by different trophic groups. Evidence suggests that species within a particular
trophic group which feed upon apparently identical food material, collect it from different
microhabitats.