Edit Melanochromis chipokae
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Name
Scientific name
Melanochromis chipokae
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Melanochromis chipokae is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found only around Chindunga Rocks, a reef just off the island of Chipoka. One of…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
120mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.6–8.8
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
One male with several females
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 is found only in the southwestern part of the lake around Chindunga Rocks, a reef just off the island of Chipoka.
Habitat
It usually inhabits intermediate areas with sandy bottoms and scattered rocks around the reef.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres absolute minimum due to its highly aggressive nature (see below).
Maintenance
Much of the aquarium should contain piles of rocks, arranged to form many caves and hiding places with small areas of open water between. A sandy substrate is …
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 7.6-8.8 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
It will accept most foods offered and a varied diet of live, frozen and good quality dried foods is best. Vegetable matter in the form of spirulina flakes, bla…
Behaviour and compatibility
Arguably the most aggressive and territorial mbuna and a dominant male will almost always be the 'boss' of any tank it is in. It should not be kept with peace …
Sexual dimorphism
Mature males are a completely different colour to the golden females and juvenile/sub-dominant males, taking on a stunning black and blue colouration. Males ar…
Reproduction
Possible but not easy due to its violent disposition. Maternal mouthbrooder. It should be spawned in a species tank in a harem of one male and at least 3 femal…
Notes
This species belongs to the group of Melanochromis often called "Pike Auratus". These species predate on the fry of other species, although M. chipokae will al…
References
References
No references