The lake known in Tanzania as Nyasa (and Malawi elsewhere) has hundreds of endemic cichlid species, the largest number of fish species of any lake. Many are popular in aquariums.
Fish
Found only in Tanzania
Lake Nyasa Cichlids
Cichlidae
Some of the world's most colourful freshwater fish, the "mbuna" of Lake Nyasa.
Size
5-25 cm
Lifespan
Varies
Diet
Algae, plankton, insects.
Habitat
Rocky shores and sandy bays of Lake Nyasa.
About the lake nyasa cichlids
Did you know?
01
The lake has more fish species than any other in the world.
02
Males show bright colours to attract mates.
03
Many species are only found in one small stretch of shore.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
More wildlife to discover
Fish
West Indian Ocean Coelacanth
Latimeria chalumnae
A "living fossil" fish, thought extinct for 66 million years, found off the Tanzanian coast.
Fish
Clownfish (Anemonefish)
Amphiprion spp.
The small orange fish that lives among the tentacles of sea anemones.
Prison Island (Changuu), Mnemba Atoll +3 more
Endemic
NE
Fish
Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
Cichlidae
Hundreds of colourful, endemic fish, found nowhere else than the world's deepest African lake.
Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream
Whales & dolphins
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops aduncus
A friendly, resident dolphin that lives in the bays around Zanzibar.
Kizimkazi, Nungwi +3 more
Start Planning
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Tell us what you most want to see and we will plan the season, the place and the guide to match.
Prefer to talk? Call +255 754 123 456