Edit Copadichromis virginalis
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Name
Scientific name
Copadichromis virginalis
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Copadichromis virginalis is an Utaka cichlid endemic to the northern end of Lake Malawi, shoaling in open water around rocky shores and ree…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
130mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 25–29°C, pH 7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to the northern end of Lake Malawi.
Habitat
Usually inhabits areas around rocky shores and reefs at relatively shallow depths. Here it shoals in the open water in large numbers, often alongside other spe…
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: 25 – 29 °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
It's a maternal mouthbrooder that utilises a similar breeding strategy to others in the genus. Ideally it should be spawned in a species tank, in a harem of on…
Notes
Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounc…
References
References
No references