Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Copadichromis chrysonotus 'Boadzulu Island'.jpg

Copadichromis chrysonotus (unknown locality)

Genus:	Copadichromis
Type locality:	Lake Malawi, Africa
Biotope:	Open water close to the surface, usually above rocky areas in sheltered bays; occurs very shallow, from the surface down to about 3 m
Geographic distribution:	Widespread throughout Lake Malawi wherever suitable shallow open-water habitats are present
Typical adult size:	Males up to about 16 cm; females up to about 13 cm
Sexual dimorphism:	Females silvery, sometimes with a greenish sheen, usually showing two or three dark body spots. Breeding males display an intense light-blue upper body and dorsal fin, fading to darker tones on the lower flanks, with body spots largely obscured
Recommended aquarium size:	Minimum 500 litres; aquarium length at least 160 cm
Aquarium setup:	Emphasis on large open swimming space with minimal hardscape; suitable for keeping as one male with 2–3 females or in larger groups (e.g. 3 males with 5 females). Best combined only with calm cichlids such as Aulonocara or Nyassachromis
Diet:	Carnivorous plankton feeder; feeds exclusively on phyto- and zooplankton in the water column
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder; spawning takes place pelagically within loose breeding shoals close to the surface. Males defend three-dimensional territories within the moving school rather than fixed sites on the substrate
Aggression:	Relatively peaceful; mild intraspecific aggression between breeding males, but easily dominated by more aggressive species
Special notes:	A shallow-water utaka specialized for pelagic spawning, avoiding competition for substrate-based breeding sites. Characterized by three body spots and a striking light-blue blaze in breeding males.