All fish / Cichlidae

Quadrimaculatus Haplochromis

Copadichromis quadrimaculatus

Also known as copadichromis quadrimaculatus, four spot utaka, quadrimaculatus utaka, haplochromis quadrimaculatus, blue quadrimaculatus, quadrimac

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This is a slender utaka cichlid from Lake Malawi that feeds on plankton in open water. Females and young fish are silvery with a row of dark spots along the flank. Breeding males turn a deep metallic blue, often with dark areas on the head and fins. Keepers like it as a fairly calm, active haplochromine for large Malawi tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

16 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.5 to 8.6

Smallest tank

450 litres

Keep as

One male with three or more females

Diet

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

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 digs a spawning site, often against rocks, and the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. Breeding in a well-kept harem is fairly easy.

Good to know

Adults need a long tank with plenty of swimming space. Do not keep them with aggressive mbuna, which will bully them, or with other Copadichromis, as the females look alike and the species may hybridise.