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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Masinje'.jpg Buccochromis heterotaenia 'Masinje'.jpg Copadichromis jacksoni 'Masinje'.jpg Copadichromis verduyni 'Masinje'.jpg Cynotilapia afra 'Masinje'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCopadichromis jacksoni 'Masinje'
Genus: Copadichromis
Type locality: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Open water in calmer bays, usually above deep water; often schooling freely at depths around 20 m, occasionally associated with rocky outcrops
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution throughout Lake Malawi
Typical adult size: Males up to about 21 cm; females up to about 18 cm
Sexual dimorphism: Males dark blue with lighter blue dorsal and anal fins, a white blaze on the head, and some yellow in the anal fin. Females silvery with two distinct black body spots
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 540 litres; aquarium length at least 160 cm
Aquarium setup: Fine sandy substrate with a few rocky structures; emphasis on large open swimming areas. Best kept in groups with similarly calm species such as Aulonocara
Diet: Plankton feeder; feeds on plankton captured in open water
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; males establish and defend spawning sites, often on elevated rock surfaces. Females brood for about 21 days and produce clutches of approximately 20–60 fry
Aggression: Strongly territorial during breeding; otherwise a relatively calm utaka when kept with suitable tankmates
Special notes: Common trade names include “Jackson’s nkhata” and “Nguwa”. A schooling open-water utaka that requires spacious aquaria to display natural behavior

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