Copadichromis virginalis Care Guide
Copadichromis virginalis is an open-water utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, a peaceful maternal mouthbrooder for large aquaria.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Copadichromis virginalis Breeding Guide
Overview
Copadichromis virginalis is an open-water utaka cichlid endemic to the northern end of Lake Malawi, where it shoals in large numbers over rocky shores and reefs and feeds on zooplankton. FishBase records a maximum length of about 13.2 cm TL, with maturity near 10.6 cm. It is a maternal mouthbrooder in which the female alone incubates the brood; in the lake its annual breeding season is brief.
Sexing
Males are larger, far more colourful and have longer fins than females; dominant males develop bright colour, while females remain plainer. This pronounced dimorphism makes selecting a breeding group straightforward once the fish mature.
Conditioning
As a specialised zooplankton feeder, this species should be conditioned on a varied diet of small live, frozen and dried foods; Artemia nauplii are particularly suitable. A nutritious, varied diet brings females into condition for spawning.
Breeding Setup
Keep the species in a harem of one male with at least three to four females, in a large tank with open swimming space, a sand substrate for nest building and rock piles for shelter. Seriously Fish recommends a footprint around 150 x 45 x 45 cm. Suitable water is hard and alkaline: about 25-29 degrees C, pH 7.5-8.5 and hardness around 10-25 degrees H. This is a generally peaceful species and should not be combined with mbuna or similarly coloured fish; it mixes well with Aulonocara and peaceful haps.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male constructs a spawning site that is a very simple depression in the substrate and displays there to attract females. After eggs are laid and fertilised at the pit, the female takes them into her mouth to incubate. The brief, seasonal nature of breeding in the wild is reflected in periodic spawning bouts when conditions and conditioning are right.
Egg & Fry Care
The female carries the brood for about three to four weeks before releasing the free-swimming fry. A holding female may be moved to a separate tank to protect the brood and allow undisturbed release. Free-swimming fry readily accept Artemia nauplii and other small foods.
Common Challenges
Because it is an open-water shoaling species, cramped or sparsely decorated tanks cause stress and poor spawning. Mixing with aggressive mbuna or similarly coloured haps can disrupt breeding and risk hybridisation. Holding females are sensitive to disturbance and may release or swallow a brood prematurely if harassed.