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Melanochromis baliodigma (formerly known as Melanochromis sp."blotch") is living in the intermediate zones between rocks and sand. They can be found along the eastern coast of the lake between Makanjila Point (Malawi) and Tumbi Point in Mocambique but also in the neighbourhood of Chizumulu Island. Of this species are some geographic variants although the differences in their color pattern are not very large. This variant can be found near Masinje. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 11 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 13 cm, females grow to about 9 cm. Melanochromis baliodigma can behave a little intolerant against equal male, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake the are mainly feeding themselves with little fish and eggs of catfish but they are also attracted by whirled up material in which they search for food. They are also attacking fish that are caught in nets. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. 
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