malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Copadichromis jacksoni 'Higga Reef'.jpg Copadichromis sp. 'mloto reef' Higga Reef.jpg Copadichromis virginalis 'Higga Reef'.jpg Cynotilapia zebroides 'Higga Reef'.jpg Labeotropheus trewavasae 'Higga Reef'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCopadichromis virginalis 'Higga Reef'
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.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si