Malawi Trout (Champsochromis caeruleus) Care Guide

Streamlined open-water predator from Lake Malawi reaching 35 cm. Males iridescent blue with green sheen and forked tail.

Overview

Champsochromis caeruleus is a species in the family Cichlidae. Streamlined open-water predator from Lake Malawi reaching 35 cm. Males iridescent blue with green sheen and forked tail. Active swimmer chasing utaka schools — needs 700 L+ tank with strong filtration.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Champsochromis
Scientific name: Champsochromis caeruleus
Other names: Trout Cichlid
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, occurring in open water and over intermediate habitats. A large, fast-swimming predatory hap that pursues open-water prey fishes. A maternal mouthbrooder that requires a long aquarium with ample swimming space.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 700 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 28-35 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Large hap species
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Small fish, Mbuna

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: advanced