Edit Champsochromis caeruleus
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Name
Scientific name
Champsochromis caeruleus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Malawi Trout
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The Malawi trout, Champsochromis caeruleus, is a large predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it roams from rocky shores to open w…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
325mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–27°C, pH 7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–30dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi.
Habitat
It roams throughout the lake and has been recorded in various habitats, from rocky shores to open water.
Aquarium size
180 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm - ~648 litres bare minimum, but preferably larger.
Maintenance
Tank decoration is not really important as the species is pelagic in nature. It is therefore very active, and as much swimming space as possible must be provid…
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 27 °C pH: 7.5-8.5 Hardness: 10-30°H
Diet
It's a pursuit predator and in nature feeds mainly on the small Malawi Sardine, Engraulicypris sardella. Thankfully, there's no need to feed live fish in the a…
Behaviour and compatibility
It's not especially aggressive with anything too large to fit in its mouth, but once you've seen the yawn of an adult specimen it will quickly become clear tha…
Sexual dimorphism
The male is the larger and much the more colourful sex. Mature fish develop extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins, which females lack.
Reproduction
Has been achieved in the hobby, albeit infrequently. It actually breeds in standard Hap fashion, being a maternal mouthbrooder. Ideally, it should be spawned i…
Notes
Also known as the trout cichlid, this species makes a great centrepiece to a well-chosen community of big Rift Lake cichlids. An adult male in top condition ma…
References
References
No references