All fish / Cichlidae

Chipokae Cichlid

Melanochromis chipokae

Also known as chipokee cichlid, chipokae mbuna, chipokee, chipokae, dark melanochromis, メラノクロミス・チポカエ, 奇波卡黑丽鱼

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A slim rock-dwelling mbuna from Lake Malawi in which dominant males turn deep blue-black with pale blue stripes, while females and juveniles are yellow-gold with dark horizontal bands. Keepers value its striking colour change and lively behaviour in rocky Malawi set-ups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females in a crowded mbuna community

Diet

Omnivore: algae-based flakes and pellets, spirulina, with some small crustaceans; avoid rich meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Chidunga Rocks area, Malawi)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. It breeds readily in captivity, and the main challenge is protecting females from a persistent male.

Good to know

One of the most aggressive mbuna, so males will harass females and kill rival males in small tanks; keep only with other robust mbuna. It is easily confused with Melanochromis auratus and related species, which can hybridise with it.