Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Copadichromis
Type locality:	Lumessi, Mozambique (Lake Malawi)
Biotope:	Intermediate habitat (sand/rock interface) at depths of approximately 7–20 m
Geographic distribution:	Mozambique shoreline of Lake Malawi, from just north of the Chiloelo River to north of Metangula
Typical adult size:	Males up to about 12 cm; females smaller, around 8 cm
Sexual dimorphism:	Breeding males dark blue to black with vertical bars and a white to bluish blaze on the head; females and juveniles sand-yellow to silvery with three distinct black spots
Recommended aquarium size:	Minimum 250 litres
Aquarium setup:	Fine sand substrate with some larger rocks and overhangs; open swimming areas combined with suitable structures for bower construction
Diet:	Zooplankton feeder; feeds primarily on plankton in the open water
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder; males build sand craters, often beneath overhanging rocks; females brood eggs for about 21 days
Aggression:	Moderately territorial, especially males during breeding
Special notes:	Previously known as Copadichromis sp. “Verduyni dwarf”; a small, attractively coloured member of the C. mbenjii group