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Astatotilapia calliptera is found in entire Lake Malawi and it`s living there between the vegetation in shallow bays and in the shallow parts of the intermediate zones from rocks to sand. They can also be found in the rivers and streams which end in the lake or evolve out of it. Many times they also keep up under floating "vegetation fields" which sometimes floads from the rivers into the lake. This male example was found in Lake Malombe. This lake is situated southern of Lake Malawi and is directly connected with it through the Shire River. The cichlid species which are found in Lake Malombe seems to stay smaller then in Lake Malawi and they seem to become sexually active earlier, probably this is because they live under pressure due to the overfishing in that lake. The males of these species can grow to about 13 cm in Lake Malawi, females grow to about 9 cm. In the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. Astatotilapia calliptera can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females, a lot of hiding places and vegetation like vallisneria. In the lake they are feeding themselves with everything they can find like algae, plankton, plants, invertebrates and little fish. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this must not be missing on their menu. 
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