Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Copadichromis
Type locality:	Mala (Mara) Point, Lake Malawi
Biotope:	Intermediate habitat (sand–rock interface), typically along gently sloping rocky shores
Geographic distribution:	Eastern shore of Lake Malawi (Mozambique), from Tumbi Point to Cobwé
Typical adult size:	Males up to about 14 cm; females slightly smaller
Sexual dimorphism:	Females and juveniles are silvery with three black spots on the body. Breeding males are entirely black, including the anal fin, which lacks any coloured margin, spots, or streaks
Recommended aquarium size:	Minimum 200 litres; aquarium length at least 125 cm
Aquarium setup:	Fine sand substrate with scattered rocks; provide open swimming space and some rock-associated territories. Best kept as one male with several females
Diet:	Plankton feeder; feeds primarily on zooplankton in the water column
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males establish territories in the sand–rock interface; spawning takes place close to the substrate, after which females brood the eggs and fry in the mouth
Aggression:	Moderate; males are territorial during breeding but overall temperament is typical for utaka
Special notes:	Formerly known in the aquarium hobby as Copadichromis sp. “Midnight mloto”. Unique within the C. mbenjii group due to the completely black breeding males lacking any coloured fin margins