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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Copadichromis virginalis 'Cape Kaiser'.jpg Copadichromis virginalis 'Higga Reef'.jpg Copadichromis virginalis 'Manda'.jpg
Next pageCopadichromis virginalis 'Cape Kaiser'
Genus: Copadichromis
Type locality: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Open water close to intermediate habitats. During breeding season the species moves towards rocky shorelines, where large bowl-shaped nests are built in sand, often adjacent to rocks or rock overhangs.
Geographic distribution: Widespread throughout Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 20 cm, females up to about 14 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are uniformly silver-grey. Subdominant males are dark grey to black with a green opercular spot and a yellowish frontal blaze. Dominant males are entirely black with a very pronounced frontal blaze starting at the mouth and extending along the dorsal fin; the dorsal fin has a black base followed by a white margin.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 500 liters; large aquariums are required if multiple males are kept.
Aquarium setup: Large aquarium with extensive open sandy areas for swimming, interrupted by scattered larger rocks kept low to preserve open space. Fine sand substrate is essential for nest construction.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on phyto- and zooplankton captured in open water.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males construct large bowl-shaped sand nests near rocks. Females brood eggs for approximately 21 days. Successful spawning appears to require the presence of multiple males, which leads to intense territorial interactions.
Aggression: Mildly aggressive within the species; generally peaceful towards other species. Territorial interactions between males can be intense.

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Photo: © Mark Thomas
Photo: © Mark Thomas
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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