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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Copadichromis borleyi 'Chewere'.jpg Copadichromis borleyi 'Chidunga Rocks'.jpg Copadichromis borleyi 'Chimwalani (Eccles) Reef'.jpg Copadichromis borleyi 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Copadichromis borleyi 'Crocodile Rocks'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCopadichromis borleyi 'Chimwalani (Eccles) Reef'
Genus: Copadichromis
Type locality: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Open water close to the shoreline and intermediate habitat; usually associated with rocky areas and large boulders, occurring at an average depth of around 10 m
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi; present at virtually all known rocky outcrops throughout the lake
Typical adult size: Males up to about 18 cm; females up to about 15 cm
Sexual dimorphism: Males larger with intense breeding coloration that varies geographically; all males have a blue head and often elongated pelvic fins. Females beige to yellowish, sometimes with yellow, orange or red fins depending on locality
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 400 litres; aquarium length at least 150 cm
Aquarium setup: Large open sandy areas with scattered larger rocks or boulders; sufficient open water for swimming should remain. Best kept as one male with 2–3 females; larger groups with multiple males possible if each male has access to several females
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds mainly on phyto- and zooplankton in open water, but also takes invertebrates and other microorganisms when plankton is scarce
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; males defend spawning sites alongside large boulders, often spawning against vertical rock faces or under overhangs. Some populations construct shallow sand platforms on rocks as spawning arenas
Aggression: Mildly aggressive within the species; generally peaceful and well suited to community aquaria with similarly calm cichlids
Special notes: Distinguished by a protrusible mouth, three small lateral spots (often reduced or absent in some populations) and elongated pelvic fins in mature males. Exhibits strong geographic variation in male coloration and female fin color.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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