Maylandia barlowi is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only known from the area around the Maleri Islands where it prefers areas with soft substrates. This species can reach a length of 8.1cm (03.2inches) SL. It is also found in the aquarium trade. The specific name of this species honours the ichthyologist George W. Barlow (1929–2007).[1]