This biotope is found on and around the rocky ridges of the reef. The scenery at the northern ridge area, which is about 150m/490’ wide north to south and 500m/1,640’ long, is spectacular. The northernmost ridge of the reef is also the widest, at about 30m/98’, and on the north side it cascades down 22m/72’. The ridges of the reef are 10-30m/33-98’ apart and, while swimming from one to the next, you can see various groups of cichlids either in rocky or intermediate habitats. The bottom is composed of rocky ridges, perpendicular to the coastline, alternating with sandy tracts. Its structure is also particularly distinctive. Most of Minos Reef is about 7m/23’ below the surface and large sections are only 5m/16’ deep. Between Minos and Nkhungu there’s a pure sandy habitat and the cichlid populations of the two reefs differ in colour and composition. The reef lies about 2.5km/1.6 miles from the village of Meluluca on the mainland where the shore is sandy, with a few scattered rocks, and is inhabited by only a few mbuna species.įrom the northern edge Minos extends at least 2km/1.25 miles south, slowly shelving into deeper water, but even 10km/6.2 miles further south, at Nkhungu Reef, it is only about 10m/33’ deep. At several places tips of rocks break the surface, but at the end of the rainy season those at that northern edge are usually submerged. Minos Reef is rather large but the best sites are grouped at its northern edge. Sometimes also known as N’nosi or Meluluca Reef, it is known for its huge population of Red zebra (Metriaclima estherae) and, while floating at the surface of its clear water, often just 5m/16’ deep, you can plainly see the vibrant colours of various species of mbuna.Įven the rocks are attractive coloured purple-reddish, thanks to a particular type of algae that covers them in the shallows. It’s like a very large home aquarium and there wouldn’t be anything you would want to change in it. Having returned to Minos Reef on Lake Malawi more than a dozen times, I’m convinced it’s the most attractive of all the sites for the lake’s snorkelers. Imagine your ideal cichlid tank — and one that's big enough for you to swim in! Minos Reef in Mozambique has all the magical ingredients you would choose for yourself, says Dr Ad Konings.