The total number of cichlid species in the lake is now estimated at about 1000, which are about 200 more than all the freshwater fish species of the North American Continent combined!
And there is every indication that still more remains to be discovered.
This fourth, completely revised edition of the definitive study of Lake Malawi cichlids discusses and illustrates more species (843 species of which 822 are shown in photos) than any previous publication. Basing his study on more than 1500 hours of underwater observations all over the lake (36 expeditions), the author characterizes the species by their habitat preference, distribution, and coloration. More than 1750 excellent photographs many never published before illustrate the cichlid fauna of the entire lake. Almost all of these photographs were taken in the lake and show the fishes in their natural habitat.
Over the years Malawi cichlids, which are among the most colorful freshwater fishes known, have become very popular among aquarists, as they are easy to maintain and breed in captivity.
And in recent years an ever-increasing number of aquarists, interested in the natural environment of their fishes, have been inspired to visit Malawi and observe the cichlids in the lake itself. Only those who have done so can truly understand the exhilaration and feeling of fulfillment this entails, but this book offers everyone a unique opportunity to share a little of that enjoyment.
