All fish / Cichlidae

Ilesi Copadichromis

Copadichromis ilesi

Also known as copadichromis ilesi, utaka ilesi, haplochromis ilesi

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

This is one of the open-water utaka cichlids from Lake Malawi, a slim fish that feeds on zooplankton in the water column. Males in breeding colour turn a metallic blue with darker markings, while females stay silvery with a row of dark spots along the flank. It is kept by Malawi enthusiasts who want a fairly calm, colourful haplochromine for a large tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.5 to 8.6

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females

Diet

Omnivore: quality cichlid pellets and flakes, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and krill

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the male cleans a spawning site, the female lays eggs and carries them in her mouth for about three weeks. Breeding is not difficult in a spacious tank with several females, though the species is rarely available.

Good to know

Needs a long tank with hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space; avoid housing with very aggressive mbuna. Keep apart from other Copadichromis species to prevent hybridisation, and it is easily confused with related utaka.