All fish / Cichlidae

Mloto Hap

Copadichromis mloto

Also known as mloto, copadichromis mloto, mloto haplochromis, mloto likoma, haplochromis mloto

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A slim, open-water hap from Lake Malawi whose males turn metallic blue with dark markings when breeding, while females stay silvery with a row of dark spots along the flank. It is kept for its striking male colour and fairly calm nature compared with many mbuna.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

One male with several females

Diet

Carnivore: zooplankton feeder taking mysis, brine shrimp, krill and quality cichlid pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder; males dig a sand nest and the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. It breeds readily in a large tank with a harem of females.

Good to know

Needs a long tank with plenty of swimming room and is best kept with peaceful haps or Aulonocara rather than aggressive mbuna. Can be confused with other Copadichromis species such as C. borleyi, and it may hybridise with relatives.