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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Copadichromis insularis 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Copadichromis insularis 'Maleri Island'.jpg Copadichromis insularis 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg
Previous pageCopadichromis insularis 'Nakantenga Island'
Genus: Copadichromis
Type locality: Chinyankwazi, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sand/rock interface and sandy patches near intermediate zones; mainly open water above sand close to rocks at depths of approximately 13–18 m
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the southern part of Lake Malawi; found around the Maleri Islands and near Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi islets, with records from the vicinity of Chidunga
Typical adult size: Males up to about 11 cm in the lake (up to ~14 cm in aquarium); females up to about 11 cm
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males show a blue breast, a wide yellow marginal band in the anal fin, and a white margin to the dorsal fin; females retain three lateral spots and lack breeding coloration
Recommended aquarium size: Large aquarium with extensive open swimming space
Aquarium setup: Open layout emphasizing swimming space with sandy areas and limited rock structures; best kept as one male with multiple females
Diet: Plankton feeder; feeds primarily in the open water column
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; breeding takes place near intermediate habitats close to the substrate
Aggression: Generally peaceful; territorial behavior mainly limited to breeding males
Special notes: Member of the Copadichromis mbenjii group. Distinguished by three lateral spots, contact of supra-pectoral and supra-anal spots with the upper lateral line, and a white-edged dorsal fin in breeding males

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