Fish
Chipokae Cichlid
Melanochromis chipokae
Origin: Melanochromis chipokae is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from the Chipoka area in the south of the lake. It is a rock-dwelling mbuna inhabiting the rocky shoreline zones.
Also known as: Melanochromis chipokae
Fact sheet
- Size
- 15 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Minimum tank size
- 250 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.6–8.6
- Hardness GH
- 10–25 °dH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Group size
- 4+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- Yes
Overview
Melanochromis chipokae is a large and very aggressive Malawi mbuna with strong sexual dimorphism. Females and juveniles are golden-yellow with black longitudinal stripes, dominant males dark blue-black with bluish stripes. It resembles the auratus in behaviour but is larger and no less quarrelsome. It is a predatory mbuna needing a spacious rocky tank with hard alkaline water and dense stocking. It suits only experienced keepers of aggressive Malawians.
Appearance
The body is elongated and sturdy, 12–15 cm long (males larger). Females and juveniles are golden-yellow with black longitudinal stripes. Dominant males are dark blue-black with bluish-white stripes. The mouth is fairly large. The male's anal fin carries egg-spot releasers.
Care
A tank of at least 250 L with abundant rocks, caves, and a sandy bottom. Temperature 24–28 °C, pH 7.6–8.6, hardness GH 10–25 — hard, alkaline water. Powerful filtration, aeration, and regular water changes are needed. Dense stocking is essential to spread aggression.
Feeding
An omnivore with a predatory leaning. It takes vegetable pellets and flakes with spirulina, plus frozen brine shrimp, cyclops, and mysis. Excess fatty protein causes bloat. Feed small portions once or twice daily.
Compatibility
A very aggressive, predatory mbuna. Keep as a harem only with other large aggressive mbuna. It treats small fish as food. Males are extremely intolerant of each other. It is unsuitable for peaceful tanks.
Breeding
The female is a mouthbrooder. After spawning she incubates the eggs for about 3 weeks, then releases the fry. The male's aggression calls for cover and space for the females. Breeding is easy in the right conditions.
Fun facts
Chipokae resembles the auratus but is noticeably larger and even more aggressive. It is named after the Chipoka area in the south of Lake Malawi. It is one of the most quarrelsome melanochromis, requiring keeping experience.