Copadichromis virginalis Care Guide
Copadichromis virginalis is an open-water utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, a peaceful maternal mouthbrooder for large aquaria.
Overview
Copadichromis virginalis is a haplochromine cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Iles in 1960 and known in the hobby as a Lake Malawi utaka. FishBase records it as a sand-dwelling species, while Wikipedia notes that populations differ in habitat: those within Lake Malawi breed in rocky areas, whereas populations outside the lake do not. It is kept as a peaceful open-water cichlid in large tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Copadichromis
- Scientific name: Copadichromis virginalis
- Author: Iles, 1960
Habitat
FishBase records the species as endemic to the north end of Lake Malawi in Africa, occurring between roughly 9 and 12 degrees south. Wikipedia adds occurrence in the upper Shire River and Lake Malombe across Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It is a freshwater, demersal, sand-associated fish of the rift lake.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 450 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Size: 15-19 cm (FishBase records a maximum of 13.2 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 3.0, feeding as a secondary consumer on invertebrates and small organisms. As a carnivorous utaka it should receive a varied diet of quality cichlid foods with frozen or live items such as Cyclops, Mysis and brine shrimp.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, open-water cichlid that swims in the middle of the tank. It suits large Lake Malawi haplochromine displays alongside Aulonocara peacocks, other haps and Synodontis multipunctatus. More aggressive or differently-conditioned fish such as mbuna, Tropheus, discus, Apistogramma and tetras are not suitable companions.
Breeding
The species is a maternal mouthbrooder. FishBase notes that females develop a buccal brood pouch and that the annual breeding season is brief, with maturity reached at around 10.6 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 2018, per FishBase and Wikipedia). Wikipedia notes documented population decline driven by overfishing for food.