Edit Copadichromis azureus

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Name

Scientific name

Copadichromis azureus

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Cichlidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 1 credited

Summary

Copadichromis azureus is an Utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found in the southern part of the lake around the Maleri and Mbenji Islan…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

160mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 26–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Malawi, Lake Malawi

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Malawi. It's found in the southern part of the lake around the Maleri Islands, Mbenji Islands, Nkhomo reef and Eccles reef.

Habitat

Usually inhabits areas around rocky shores and reefs at depths of 20-30 metres. Here it shoals in the open water in large numbers, often alongside other specie…

Aquarium size

It's particularly active and really shouldn't be kept in tanks measuring less than 150 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~304 litres.

Maintenance

As it's an open water species it needs plenty of swimming space. A substrate of sand is also essential as the males will build their nests in it. Add some rock…

Water conditions

Temperature: 26 – 28 °C pH: 7.5 to 8.5 Hardness: 10 to 25°H

Diet

Copadichromis are specialised zooplankton feeders, although they usually prove to be unfussy in captivity. Offer a good mixture of small live, frozen and dried…

Behaviour and compatibility

A generally peaceful species, even by Copadichromis standards. It won't do well when kept alongside rowdy or belligerent tankmates and certainly should not be …

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger, far more colourful and have longer fins than females.

Reproduction

Has been bred regularly in the hobby since its introduction in the late 1990s. It's a maternal mouthbrooder that utilises a similar breeding strategy to others…

Notes

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounc…

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounced "ooh-taw-kuh"). They're specialised to a pelagic lifestyle, and can be found living in huge numbers throughout much of Lake Malawi. Some tend to remain in the proximity of underwater reefs or rocky shorelines, while others occur mainly in more featureless, sandy habitats. Here they face the oncoming current, using their large eyes to spot planktonic organisms drifting by. The upper jaw is highly protrusible and is rapidly extended when the fish spots an item of food. Simultaneously the gill covers are clamped shut. This creates a split second of negative pressure, causing the prey to be sucked in to the tube formed by the extended mouth.

While all representatives of the genus share this feeding behaviour, the breeding strategies employed can vary considerably depending on species. All are maternal polygamous mouthbrooders but some spawn on rocky surfaces, some build nests in the sand, while others spawn in the open water (notably C. chrysonotus) in a similar fashion to the Cyprichomis of Lake Tanganyika. Additionally some species spawn all year round while others are triggered by seasonal factors.

C. azureus must rank among the most stunning of all Rift Lake cichlids and is justifiably popular in the hobby. It's sometimes seen for sale under the invalid scientific name Haplochromis chrysonotus. This can lead to confusion, as the congener C. chrysonotus shares this species name. Dozens of colour forms of C. azureus exist in Lake Malawi, many of which have been seen in the hobby. When seen on sale these usually have the collection locality attached e.g. Copadichromis azureus "Maleri".

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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References

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Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References