MY FISH

FIREMOUTH

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Genus: Thorichthys
Species: T. meeki
Binomial name
Thorichthys meeki
(Brind, 1918)
Family: Cichlidae
Size: Males to 5 inches, females to 4
Temperature: 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Alkalinity: Neutral with moderate hardness
pH: 6.8 to 7.2

Firemouth cichlids (Thorichthys meeki) are native to Central America. They occur in
rivers of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, south through Belize and into northern
Guatemala. Their natural habitat is typically shallow, slow-moving, often turbid, water
with a pH of 6.5 - 8.0. It has also been reported to live in underground cave systems. As
fish with a tropical distribution, firemouth cichlids live in warm water with a temperature
range of 23–30 °C (75–86 °F). The common name, firemouth, is derived from the bright
orange-red colouration on the underside of the jaw. Males in particular flare out their
gills, exposing their red throats, in a threat display designed to ward off male rivals from
their territory. Like most cichlids, brood care is highly developed; this species is an egg-
layer. Firemouth cichlids form monogamous pairs and spawn on flattened surfaces of
rocks, leaves or submerged wood. Breeding males are primarily responsible for territorial
defense, while females are more intensively involved in raising the fry, though both
parents lead the fry in search of food. Firemouth cichlids are omnivorous and
opportunistic in their feeding strategies. Sexual dimorphism is present, though limited in
this species. Males are generally larger, (up to 15 cm), than females, have brighter and
more red colouration around the throat, and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins.
Firemouths are suitable for community aquaria, though they may become aggressive to
other members of its species during spawning.

Gender: The dorsal and anal fin of a male should be very pointed and start
growing fin extensions from about the size of 2". As males get larger
they may also develop extensions on the top and bottom of the
caudal fin (tail). Females should not have any extensions on the
dorsal, anal or caudal fin.
Breeding: Use a pH of 7.0 and a higher temperature of 25°C. The eggs are laid
on a carefully cleaned rock. Can breed several times in a year.

TEXAS CICHLID

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Genus: Herichthys
Species: H. cyanoguttatus
Binomial name
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
(Baird & Girard, 1854)

The Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus, formerly Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum) is a

freshwater fish of the cichlid family. Also known as Rio Grande cichlid, this species is
originated from the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas and Northeastern Mexico,
particular on the sandy bottom of deep rivers. This is the only cichlid species native to the
United States, and has been introduced by man as far North as Central Texas where they
live in various lakes and rivers.

The Texas cichild has a large grayish high-backed body with bright blue scales and two
dark spots, one at the center of the body and another and the end of its tail. Adult males
have a large hump on their heads. This species can grow up to 30 cm. They prefer a water
temperature range of 68–82°F, a pH range of 6.5-7.5, and a water hardness of 5-12 dH.

The Texas cichlid is commonly found in the aquarium trade and is relatively popular with
cichlid enthusiasts. Its temperament differs from one individual to another, but in general
can be kept with other large aquarium fishes such as tinfoil barbs, silver dollars, oscars,
and other South American cichlids. Texas cichlids prefer larger tanks with 55 gallons of
water or more. They are substrate diggers and will uproot plants.

Feeding is easy as the Texas cichlid readily takes brains, flake foods, and live and frozen
food. This species is a prolific breeder and breeding in aquarium is relatively easy. They
also love gumbo. Adult fish pair up and become territorial. Up to 1,000 adhesive eggs are
laid on a clean, flat surface and both parents guard them aggressively. Eggs hatch in 3-5
days and the fry grow rapidly. Texas cichlid is known to hybridize with other related
species. The flowerhorn cichlid, a hybrid cichlid extremely popular in Asia, may have
been a result of the crossbreeding of Texas cichlid and several other species.

Gender: Older males have a bump on their

head.
Breeding: Use pH of 7.0 and a higher temperature of 25-28°C. Texas cichlids
will spawn in a pit or cave. The parents will guard the eggs and fry
and raise them until it's time to spawn again. If the fry are left with
the parents too long they will be eaten. The fry should be removed
between 4-6 weeks after they become free swimming.

BLOOD PARROT CICHLID

The Blood parrot cichlid (also known as parrot cichlid and bloody parrot; no binomial
nomenclature) is a hybrid cichlid. The fish was first created in Taiwan in around 1986.
[dead link][1]
Its parentage is unknown, but the most commonly speculated pairings are midas
cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) with the redhead cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum), or the
severum (Heros severus) with the red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus).[2] Blood
parrots should not be confused with other parrot cichlids or salt water Parrotfish (family:
Scaridae).[3]

Because this hybrid cichlid has various anatomical deformities, controversy exists over
the ethics of creating the blood parrot. One of the most obvious deformities is its mouth,
which has only a narrow vertical opening. This makes blood parrots somewhat harder to
feed and potentially vulnerable to malnutrition. Some cichlid enthusiasts have called for
their removal from the market and organized boycotts against pet stores that sell them.[3]

SCAT

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Scatophagidae
Genus: Scatophagus
Species: S. argus
Binomial name
Scatophagus argus
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms
Cacodoxus argus
Chaetodon argus
Chaetodon atromaculatus
Ephippus argus
Scatophagus argus argus
Scatophagus argus atromaculatus
Scatophagus argus belong to the scat family (Scatophagidae) and occur in 2 basic color
morphs which are called Green Scat and Ruby Scat or Red Scat. As a whole, the
species is called Spotted Scat. This fish is generally distributed around the Indo-Pacific
region, to Japan, New Guinea and Southeastern Australia. They are quite popular
aquarium fish.

These fish are kept for their looks and curious behavior, especially in body structure
resembling the famous discus fish. Unlike the delicate freshwater discus cichlids, the
scats are hard fish of brackish and seawater that tolerate freshwater only when young.
Otherwise they are fairly easy to keep, and they look very beautiful with black spots on
their body.

As a baby they live in a fresh water environment, but as they mature they move to salt
water environment. Since they do not live in temperate waters, they require at least a little
warmth (21C to 28C).

As a young they may not require a big aquarium but they can grow big, so big aquarium
with salty water is much preferred for this fish. This species is fairly peaceful if enough
space is given. But sometimes they harass other species.

The Common Scat is omnivorous and an indiscriminate eater. Food includes vegetables,
small animals and debris, and they usually readily take frozen and flake food. They also
tend to eat aquarium plants. And due to their eating habit they are quite messy fish,
requiring a strong filtration. Ironically, for older specimens water quality is actually a
bigger issue the saltier the water – in the purest freshwater (as required by many
rainforest fish) they will quickly succumb, tolerating hard and somewhat dirty freshwater
far better. In seawater, their messy eating habits make buildup of toxic protein decay
prioducts a significant issue to be controlled, if they are kept in groups as they prefer
given enough space.

Scatophagus argus is eaten by some people from its original environment, and can sting
with small spikes in its anterior parts, inflicting a venom that causes pain greater than the
wound size, and dizzyness. Treatment of the wound is often done by soaking the
infliction in hot water.

Gender: Not possible to determine from external

features.
Breeding: Has not been bred in
captivity.
Variants:
Comments: The colour and spots fade as this species ages. It has been reported
that the dorsal fin's spines are mildly poisonous. Caution should be
observed when doing maintenance in the tank. It is reported that
Java Ferns are toxic to this species.
CONVICT CICHLID

Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Genus: Amatitlania
(Schmitter-Soto 2007)
Species: A. nigrofasciata
Binomial name
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
(Günther, 1867)

The Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a fish species from the family
Cichlidae, native to Central America,[1] also known as the zebra cichlid.[2] Convict
cichlids are popular aquarium fish[1] and have also been the subject of numerous studies
on fish behaviour.

The wild-type of the species has 8–9 black vertical bars on a blue-grey body, along with a
dark blotch on the operculum.[1] Juvenile convict cichlids are monomorphic until they
reach sexual maturity. Unusually for fish, the female is more highly coloured.[14] The
male is mostly gray with light black stripes along the body. Males are larger than
females, and they have more pointed ventral, dorsal and anal fins which often extend into
filaments. In addition, older males frequently develop vestigial fatty lumps on their
foreheads. She has more intense black bands across the body, and pink to orange
colouration in the ventral region and on the dorsal fin.[15][16] The average standard length
of mature males in the wild ranged from 6.3–6.6 centimeters, while breeding–sized
females ranged from 4.2–5.5 centimeters.[14] The maximum standard length has been
reported to be 10 centimeters, with total length near 12 centimeters (4.7 in).[1][17] Body
weight has been reported to range from 34–36 grams (1.2–1.3 oz).[1] Selective breeding
has resulted in a leucistic strain of convict cichlids, in which the dark barring of the wild
type is absent.[15] These are also known as white convicts, pink convicts, gold convicts
and A. nigrofasciata "Kongo",.[1][16] The leucistic colouration is caused by a mutation in
an autosomal gene and is recessively inherited.[18]
The species can reach sexual maturity at as young as 16 weeks, though sexual maturity
more commonly occurs at 6 months.[20] Sexually mature convicts form monogamous pairs
and spawn in caves or crevices. In the wild, the fish excavate caves by moving earth from
underneath large stones.[14] Females lay the eggs on the upper or side surfaces of the cave
to which they adhere.

Breeding

Like most cichlids, convicts brood (exhibit parental care of) both eggs and free-
swimming fry.[25]

After fertilization the eggs hatch after approximately 72 hours. During that time, the
parents expel intruders and potential egg predators from around the nest. They also fan
the eggs, moving water with their fins over the clutch to bring oxygen to the eggs. They
fan the eggs both day and night, using their sense of smell to recognize the presence of
the eggs in the dark, and keeping their pelvic fins in contact with the eggs to remain at the
right distance for fanning.[26][27] The parents also recognize each other via their sense of
smell, and sniff out and react to the presence of potential predators.[28]

After hatching, a further 72 hours is required for the larvae to absorb their yolk sacs and
develop their fins prior to becoming free-swimming fry.[29] While in this free swimming
stage, fry forage during daylight in a dense school and return to the cave or crevice for
the night.[30] Like other cichlids, the parents also retrieve their young just before dark,
sucking up three or four fry at a time into their mouth, swimming back to the nest, and
spitting the young into it. The parents do this in anticipation of night arrival, using an
internal time sense to know that night is approaching, as shown by laboratory
experiments in which convict cichlids continued to retrieve even before nights that were
not preceded by any signal such as dim light.[31] During the night, the fry bunch up at the
bottom of the cave or nest, where the parents fan them.[32]

Both parents remain involved in guarding the fry from brood predators and engage in
behaviors to assist feeding such as moving leaves or fin digging.[14] Brood care of eggs,
larvae and free-swimming juveniles in the wild can last 4–6 weeks,[14] and occurs only
once per season for the majority of females.[14] In contrast, females in aquariums are
known to breed many times per year with short intervals of 12–13 days between broods,
as long as suitable rocks or similar surfaces are available for them to lay their eggs on.[33]
In captivity, breeding pairs of convict cichlids have been demonstrated to adopt similarly
aged fry from other parents.[34] In other cichlids it has been suggested this behavior may
reduce predation on the fry belonging to the adoptive parents, through a dilution effect.[35]

Convict cichlids are easily maintained and bred in aquaria.[15][16] Decorate the aquarium to
mimic the natural environment and include rocks and artificial caves for breeding.[15] The
species is an unfussy omnivore and most types of prepared fish foods are readily
accepted.[36] The species also consumes aquatic plants.[15][16] Convict cichlids are
aggressively territorial during breeding and pairs are best kept alone. Brood care is
reduced in aquarium strains.[15][16] Due to the species' tendency to dig, external filtration is
superior to undergravel filter systems.[20] Its relatively small size, along with ease of
keeping and breeding, make the convict an ideal cichlid for beginners and advanced
aquarists alike interested in observing pair bonds and brood care.[20]

Gender: Sex can be determined by a bump on the head of the mature

male.Males are also larger and have longer fins. Females have
orange scales on their front underside.
Breeding: This fish is considered by most to be the easiest cichlid to breed.
Breeding is achieved if you have a small flower pot or 2 or more
caves in the tank.
Variants: Color morphs include the Pink Convict and Calico/Marbled
Convict.

AURATUS CICHLID

An adult male auratus cichlid

An adult female auratus cichlid

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Genus: Melanochromis
Species: M. auratus
 Binomial name
Melanochromis auratus
(Boulenger, 1897)

The auratus cichlid, Melanochromis auratus, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It
is also known as golden mbuna and Malawi golden cichlid. It is endemic to the
southern region of Lake Malawi, particularly from Jalo Reef southward along the entire
western coast down to Crocodile Rocks. This cichlid is found in rocky habitats and
prefers a pH range of 7.0–8.5 and a temperature range of 22–26°C.

Auratus cichlids are small, elongate fish that can grow up to 11 cm. Juveniles and
females are bright yellow with black and white stripes on the upper half of the body.
Adult male coloration is drastically different with dark brown or black body and light
blue or yellow stripes on the upper half of the body.

Like many other cichlids from Lake Malawi, auratus cichlids are mouthbrooders.
Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry, in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing
the fry.

The auratus cichlid is among one of the most popular mbuna cichlids in the aquarium
trade. Juveniles of this fish have a striking coloration and are commonly available in most
pet shops. However, auratus cichlids, especially the males, are territorial and highly
aggressive, even on the mbuna cichlid standard. In most cases, it is best to keep one adult
male with many females. Some fish stores only stock female Auratus in their tanks,
because Auratus have the ability to change gender color. Most commonly, this is the case
of an all-female tank where the most dominant assumes the male role, and changes in
coloration but no actual gender change. Very rarely will a male change into a female.
Their tank should be set up with a lot of rocks with caves and hiding places. Auratus
cichlids natural food source is algae but those in aquariams will usually take whatever
food that is fed to them.

Gender: Males are larger and black with light blue or white stripes, while
females are yellow, with black stripes edged in white. A female is
pictured.
Breeding: Not hard. Use a pH of 8.0 to 8.5, a higher temperature of 27°C and
plenty of good live foods. Four or five females to one male is the
best ratio to use. The male and any females that haven't spawned
should be removed after spawning. The eggs are kept in the
female's mouth for up to one month and she will not eat during that
period. The babies are cared for up to 10 days.

LEMON YELLOW HAP

The naturally occurring yellow morph of L.
caeruleus is popular with aquarium
hobbyists.
Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Labidochromis
Species: L. caeruleus
Binomial name
Labidochromis caeruleus
Fryer, 1956

Labidochromis caeruleus, is a species of cichlid fish endemic to the central western

coastal region of Lake Malawi in East Africa. It is also known as lemon yellow lab, the
blue streak hap, the electric yellow or yellow prince, depending on the colour morph. A
naturally occurring yellow-coloured variant from Nkhata Bay is one of the most popular
cichlids amongst aquarium hobbyists.

This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, meaning the eggs are carried, hatch, and
develop in the mother’s mouth (buccal cavity), for about three weeks. These fish are
ovophiles and the male will excavate a pit in the sand within his territory, in which the
female lays the eggs; the female then takes these eggs into her mouth for fertilization.

Electric yellows inhabit water with a pH between 7.8 and 8.9 and an ideal temperature
range of 23–26 °C (73.4–78.8 °F).

Electric yellows are peaceful compared to most other African cichlids. Despite this, like
all cichlids from Lake Malawi, they are best kept in specialist cichlid aquariums with
other Mbuna. As with most cichlids, electric yellows should not be kept with freshwater
community aquarium species such as Zebra Danios or Neon Tetras, they may nip the
finnage of other species, and are not recommended for freshwater community aquariums
because of the differences in the natural habitats between cichlids and other fish species.
In an aquarium setting, their natural habitat of rocks and caves should be emulated. Their
diet should consist mostly of prepared cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with foods
like krill, brineshrimp, and Spirulina flakes. Restrain from feeding these cichlids feeder
goldfish, as they are likely carrying diseases that will cause harm to your cichlids

Gender: Males grow larger, and are more colourful with a

blue tinge.
Breeding: Not difficult. The Electric Yellow is a mouth brooder. The young will
leave the mothers mouth after 25-40 days, depending on the
temperature and amount of activity in the aquarium.
Variants:
Comments: One of the least agressive rift lake
cichlids.

MAINGANO

Conservation status

Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Melanochromis
Species: M. cyaneorhabdos
Binomial name
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos
Bowers & Stauffer, 1997
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. It is endemic
to Malawi. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes. Since it is an endemic species, there is
not very much information available, except that posted below by owners. There are
thoughts that this species is a hybrid of Pseudotropheus demasoni.

Also known as Maingano, this mbuna is often confused with M. johanni. One important
distinguishing characteristic is that females are not orange, whereas female M. johanii
are. Both male & female M. cyanerhabdos are colored the same; however, males may
have more intense coloring, particularly in dominant or sexually active males.

Fish name Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos

Maximum size (min-max) 7.0–8.0 cm (2.8–3.1 in)

pH of water 7.4 - 8.5

Water hardness (dGH) dGH 9.0 - 27.0 N

Recommended temperature 23.0 - 27.0 C ( 73.4 - 80.6 F)

Activity: Diurnal; Are most active during the day, and less so
at night.
Gender: Male and female Maingano's both look very similar at first.
Differences include the female have a slightly lighter coloured belly
and shorter Pelvic fins compared to the male. Also male Maingano
grow slightly larger.
Breeding: They are mouth brooders. Females hold the eggs for about 21 days
during which they spend most of the time hiding. Caves must be
provided for the female to retreat into. Males get aggressive during
breeding so it's advised to keep ratios of 1 male to 3 females.
Comments: Maingano's are very beautiful fish and add alot of colour to the tank,
but they can get aggressive so when picking tank mates you'll need
to take this into account.
Main Colours: Blue,
Black
Markings: Striped
Horizontal
MAYLANDIA LOMBARDOI
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Maylandia lombardoi

male (front) and female (back)

Conservation status

Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Genus: Maylandia (disputed)
Species: M. lombardoi
Binomial name
Maylandia lombardoi
(Burgess, 1977)
Synonyms
Metriaclima lombardoi

Maylandia lombardoi, is a 13 cm (5 in) freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae. This
mbuna species is popular in the aquarium hobby where it is sold under a variety of
common names including: lombardoi, kenyi or kennyi. The correct name of its genus is
not clear; some authors prefer Maylandia, others Metriaclima.

It is endemic to the rocky shores of Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi in east Africa. The
species is highly sexually dimorphic, females and jevenile males are pale white-blue with
several blue-black vertical bands extending into the dorsal fin. Adult males turn bright
yellow with faint brown bars crossing the body; fins are plain yellow with egg spots on
the anal fin. Like most mbuna cichlids, this species is a maternal mouthbrooder. When
mouthbrooding, females may defend a small territory and assume the colouration of
males.

Like other mbuna, these fish can be very aggressive and males may end up killing other
tankmates. To prevent casualties, the aquarium should be spacious and rocky with several
hiding places. It can be kept with other cichlids of Lake Malawi, preferably other mbuna
with the similar level of aggressiveness. A single male should be kept with several
females. When breeding, females hold the eggs and fry in their mouths for a few weeks
before releasing the free-swimming fry. When alarmed, the fry regain entry to the
female's mouth by direct contact.

Gender: Females are blue with black bars, males are

yellow.
Breeding: Easy. Pseudotropheus lombardoi are mouth breeders. With a
constant supply of good food the females will be kept busy
constantly. The fry are released from their mother's mouth after 3
weeks.
Variants:
Comments: Under stress the female may become so pale as to be confused with
the male. This fish requires special care if the intention is to
integrate it into a multi-species Mbuna setup, because the 'typical'
gender colour difference (blue male, yellow female) found in many
other Pseudotropheus species is REVERSED in this fish. The need to
keep one male with several females therefore poses integration
problems as females of this species can resemble males of other
Pseudotropheus species. The reversed sexual colouration was
highlighted in the article first describing this species by Warren. E.
Burgess in Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine (October 1977), which
contains a full taxonomic description with holotype and paratype
references.

BLUE ACARA
Blue acara
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Genus: Aequidens
Species: A. pulcher
Binomial name
Aequidens pulcher
 (Gill, 1858)

The blue acara, Aequidens pulcher[1], is a very colorful freshwater fish in the cichlid
family. This fish can be found in Central and South America, from Panama to Colombia.
They can reach lengths of 20 centimetres (7.9 in). Its name Aequidens pulcher, is
indicative to its looks; pulcher meaning "beautiful." The Blue Acara is a common cichlid
sold in many pet stores and they are often confused with or sold as Green Terrors
(Andinoacara rivulatus).

The body is stocky and compact with a steel blue-gray coloration. There are noticeable
horizontal green lines on their faces and their blueish-green scales give them a sparkling
appearance. They also have long flowing fins with a hint of orange to the tips.

Blue Acaras natively live in a tropical climate and prefer water with a pH of 6.5-8.0, a
water hardness of 25° dGH, and a water temperature of 22–30 °C (72–86 °F).[2][3]

Gender: Mature males dorsal and anal fins are elongated and pointed. A
female is pictured above.
Breeding: A higher temperature of 25°C with a slightly acidic (6.7) pH. Small,
frequent water changes of aged or rain water added slowly at a
temperature slightly lower than the water temperature may
instigate breeding activity. The parents must be well fed on a
variety of live or frozen foods. Do not remove the parents after
spawning. Add a one-third dose of triple sulphur to combat fungus.

Females will spawn on virtually any suface from large leaved plants
to bogwood and stones,even glass, but the preference is always for
surfaces in a near vertical position. If given correct substrates like
fine gravel, the couple will dig pits in which to corral the young. Both
parents will occasionaly pick up errant fry and wash them in the
mouth and spit them back into the pit should they stray to far.

This is nothing to worry about , even though it is sometimes a little

indelicate. Do not perform water changes during the egg laying and
hatching period, as the eggs are easily damaged by temperature
fluctuations within the 3 to 5 days it takes them to hatch. Perform
water changes prior to laying, as soon as the parents are witnessed
cleaning surfaces in readiness, then you can give yourself 2 weeks
or so while the delicate eggs and fry develop without disturbing
them or risking their health.

Check pits for tiny ,almost microscopic fry before assuming the
couple have eaten the eggs, they will often clean up the remains of
eggs after hatching. The young do well on liquifry for the first few
days, and can then be given brineshrimp cysts, and tiny granular
foods ground in a pestle and mortar.

Comments: An excellent cichlid for

beginners.
Main Colours: Black,
Blue
Markings: Striped And
Spotted

AZUREUS

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Copadichromis
Species: C. azureus
Binomial name
Copadichromis azureus
Konings, 1990

Copadichromis azureus is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. It is endemic to

Malawi. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes.

Gender Differences: Dimorphic

Breeding: Maternal
Mouthbrooder

Temperament: Mildly
Aggressive

Conspecific
Temperament: Mildly
Aggressive

Maximum Size: 7.5"

 Temperature: 78 - 82°F

pH: 7.8 - 8.6

Water Hardness: Hard

Difficulty: 2

Comments:
Females only grow to 5'', whereas males can get as large as 7.5''. Males from
Mbenji and Nkhomo are the bluest forms of this species, with the Mbenji population
being the largest. Like all other Copadichromis species, azureus feed on plankton
found in the water column near reefs.