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Most
books focusing on cichlids have a section devoted on Africans and a
smaller section for cichlids from Lake Malawi. Depending on the
author most books are biased to one side or the other, therefore a
book entitled "cichlids" in not necessarily a good source
of information for Malawi cichlids. The books listed below are
either focusing on Malawi cichlids only or their Malawi section has
enough information to get started. I have also included a magazine
which offers an update on cichlids.
1. "AD
KONINGS BOOK OF CICHLIDS AND ALL THE OTHER FISHES OF LAKE
MALAWI" by T.F.H.
Publications. Need I say more? This book is a
collection of photographs of nearly every fish in Lake Malawi with
as many possible color morphs included. Information on its natural
habitat is available, too. Color morphs are very often encountered
in these cichlids and such a book is absolutely essential if you
want to verify that your cichlid is actually what you paid for. The
info on the natural habitat of every cichlid will help you to add
some elements to make it feel better in your tank and / or arrange
its diet in a better way. Clearly, the best atlas on Malawi
cichlids. A bit expensive but you have to take into account that it
contains hundreds of photos - all in full color.
2. M.
E. SWEENEY "MALAWI CICHLIDS :
MBUNA" by T.F.H.
Publications. The author was recently appointed
Editor-in-Chief of the Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine. A book with
lots of useful information on mbuna keeping - in an easy to read
way. All topics are examined and there are many hints and tips on
what to do with these beauties in order to establish a trouble -
free tank. The photos included in this book are of the highest
quality.
3. CICHLIDS
NEWS - Published by Aquatic
Promotions Inc. Issued four times a year, this
journal is essential if you want to be informed of any new species
entering the hobby. It also includes some great in depth articles
and special scientific (but very well written) news on cichlids.
4. D.
A. BORUCHOWITZ "MALAWI
CICHLIDS - KEEPING AND BREEDING THEM IN CAPTIVITY" by
T.F.H. Publications. The author is (what a
coincidence) the previous Editor-in-Chief of the TFH journal. The
book deals mainly with mbuna (and Aulonocara) species but is very
well written and informative. Actually, it is my belief, that if a
novice (in keeping African Cichlids) reads one of these books, 80%
of his questions would be immediately answered. This book is an
alternative to Book Nr. 2 (no reason to get both of them, either one
will do).
5. AD
KONINGS "ENJOYING
CICHLIDS" by CICHLID
PRESS. Can you imagine it? It was after reading this
book, and especially its Malawi section, that I decided to keep
these species only. Of course, the relevant section is written by Ad
Konings himself and this explains a lot. A wealth of information for
any cichlid - lover this book is highly recommended for keepers of
Malawi cichlids. The introduction section of the book (referring to
cichlids in general) is the best I have read up to now and puts
things in their true dimensions.
6.
S.
MELKE "SUCCESS WITH CICHLIDS
FROM LAKES MALAWI AND TANGANYIKA" by
T.F.H. Publications. A very useful book, well
written, with lots of information for the serious fishkeeper of
these species. It can become your single source of information and
the photos are great, too.
7.
W.
STAECK & H. LINKE "AFRICAN
CICHLIDS II : CICHLIDS FROM EASTERN AFRICA"
by TETRA PRESS. It seems
that Tetra Press goes a long way to ensure that their books are
going to become a success. This book doesn't contain every species
of Lake Malawi, but it contains the most commonly found in the
hobby. However, it contains everything you will ever need to know
about keeping the species included.
8. P.
V. LOISELLE "THE CICHLID
AQUARIUM" by TETRA PRESS. A
classic ! Along with Ad Konings books it must be the titles most
found as references in all other books dealing with cichlids from
Lake Malawi. A really great book to start with. After you read it
through, I am sure you will only need a couple of books to complete
your library.
9. D.
SANDS "TETRA'S POPULAR GUIDE
TO TROPICAL CICHLIDS" by
TETRA PRESS. Lots of pictures of cichlids, among them
the ones from Lake Malawi, with adequate information for most of
them. The pictures are excellent and, believe it or not, in this
book I found information not found elsewhere. For example, did you
know that the Electric blue hap male takes almost a year to develop
its blue color? I didn't - till I read this book (after reading many
other books, the ones in the list included).
More
books on Malawi cichlids reviewed in next page |
