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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Copadichromis geertsi 'Border'.jpg Copadichromis geertsi 'Chiofu'.jpg Copadichromis geertsi 'Gome'.jpg Copadichromis geertsi 'Thundu'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCopadichromis geertsi 'Chiofu'
Genus: Copadichromis
Type locality: Gome Rock, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat over sediment-rich sandy bottoms with scattered rocks; typically found at depths between 25 and 35 m, rarely shallower than 20 m
Geographic distribution: Southern part of Lake Malawi; recorded from Gome (Malawi) north to Thundu Point (Mozambique) and south to Ntekete along the eastern shoreline
Typical adult size: Males up to about 17 cm; females up to about 16 cm
Sexual dimorphism: Immatures and females are silvery with two dark body spots. Mature males become dark blue to almost black with a white–yellow blaze on the forehead and upper anterior body extending into the dorsal fin; males develop very long pelvic fins and a wide yellow margin on the anal fin
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 500 litres; aquarium length at least 150 cm
Aquarium setup: Large sandy areas with a few larger rocks; provide enough sand for bower construction. Best kept as one male with 2–3 females, or in larger groups in sufficiently large aquaria. Suitable tankmates include calm utaka, Aulonocara, Lethrinops, Nyassachromis, and Copadichromis
Diet: Carnivorous plankton feeder; feeds mainly on particulate matter in the water column, presumably zooplankton
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; males construct sand bowers against large rocks or boulders. Breeding occurs year-round, with males defending territories close to the bottom
Aggression: Relatively peaceful for a utaka; males are territorial during breeding but generally not overly aggressive
Special notes: A deep-dwelling utaka and one of the most visually striking species of the genus. Adult males develop unicuspid teeth unlike females and juveniles. Listed as Vulnerable (IUCN, 2006), with the main threat being ornamental fish collection

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Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
Photo: © Larry Johnson
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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