Azure Cichlid care guide
Azure Cichlid (Copadichromis azureus) — minimum tank 400 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-8.6.
Overview
Copadichromis azureus is a Lake Malawi haplochromine in which adult males display a deep blue body and head with a black mask through the eye. The species is endemic to the Mbenji Islands area. Adults reach about 17 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Copadichromis
- Scientific name: Copadichromis azureus
- Common synonyms: Mbenji Blue
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Malawi, where it inhabits sandy bays, sediment-rich flats and the sand-rock interface of the open lake. The water is hard and alkaline (pH 7.8-8.6, KH 6-15) and warm year round; large adults forage across open sand and through rock outcrops.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (105.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 14-17 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
In the wild a carnivore or specialised feeder depending on species — many haps eat small fish, invertebrates or sift sand for hidden prey. In aquaria a moderate-protein cichlid pellet supplemented with frozen krill, mysis and chopped earthworm maintains condition and colour; vegetable matter is not the main component as it is for mbuna.
Compatibility
Less aggressive but larger than mbuna; best kept in spacious 350+ L tanks with one male and several females, alongside other peaceful Malawi haps and peacocks. Avoid mixing with rock-dwelling mbuna, whose constant aggression suppresses these larger fish, and avoid similar-coloured congeners to prevent hybridisation.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The male defends a sand "scrape" or a small territory near a rock, displays his nuptial colours and entices females to spawn; the female collects the eggs into her mouth and incubates them for about three weeks before releasing fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. Most haps are widely distributed in Lake Malawi and assessed as Least Concern; localised forms with narrow ranges are more vulnerable to environmental change.