Copadichromis atripinnis
Copadichromis atripinnis was first described by Stauffer & Sato in 2002. The fish belong to the family Cichlidae (Cichlids).
The genus name Copadichromis is derived from Greek: “kopadi” refers to a school of fish, referring to the shoaling behavior of most species within the genus; and “chromis” is a name dating back to Aristotle, possibly derived from “chroemo” (whinny), referring to a drumfish (Sciaenidae) and its ability to make sound. Later, the term was extended to cichlids, damselfish, dotted bass and wrasse (all bass-like fishes once considered related). The term “chromis” is often used in the names of African cichlid genera, by analogy with Chromis (now Oreochromis) mossambicus.
The species name atripinnis is derived from Latin: “atri-” means “black” and “pinnis” means “fin.” This refers to the intense black pigmentation of the ventral fins, the black anal fins and the broad black bands on the tail fins of males during mating season.
Synonym for Copadichromis atripinnis: C. sp. ‘three spot eastern’.
Description, Behavior and Life Expectancy of Copadichromis atripinnis
Copadichromis atripinnis has an elongated, streamlined body, typical of plankton-eating cichlids. The head is often blue in males, while the flanks are a lighter blue-green color with orange highlights on the scales. A distinctive feature are the three black spots on the fl anks: one above the pectoral fin, one above the anal fin and one on the caudal root. The ventral fins are black, which also contributes to the species name atripinnis (black fins). The dorsal fin shows a narrow, black submarginal band with white and yellow spots. The anal fin has a wide yellow margin. The fish grows to a maximum length of about 16 centimeters.
Sex differences: Males are significantly larger and more colorful than females. During mating season, males develop an intense blue head and flanks with orange and yellow highlights. Females are predominantly gray to blue-gray with the three characteristic black spots. Behaviorally, males are territorial and build bowers (nests) to lure females. Females are less aggressive and often live in groups.
Juveniles versus adults: Juvenile Copadichromis atripinnis resemble the females, with less intense color and less pronounced patterns. As they age, males develop their distinctive colors and behavior.
Behavior and temperament: Copadichromis atripinnis is a schooling fish that lives in the middle water, but also visits the bottom to forage. Males are territorial, but not extremely aggressive toward conspecifics. They defend their bower from other males, but often tolerate multiple females in their territory. The species is not shy.
Life expectancy: Life expectancy in the wild is unknown, in an aquarium they can live 7-9 years.
Biotope of Copadichromis atripinnis
Copadichromis atripinnis is found in the wild in Malawi. The species lives specifically in Lake Malawi.
Its natural habitat is a sand/rock transition zone in Lake Malawi at depths of 12-25 meters. The area is not overgrown with aquatic plants; rather, it is an open habitat with a sandy bottom and scattered rocks.
Lake Malawi has a tropical climate. Due to the size and depth of Lake Malawi, the temperature and water values are quite stable throughout the year.
Diet
Diet in the wild: Copadichromis atripinnis is a plankton-eating fish. In Lake Malawi, it feeds on plankton in the water column and benthic invertebrates (animals that live on or near the bottom).
Diet in the aquarium: In the aquarium, Copadichromis atripinnis accepts a wide range of foods. Suitable food includes spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and a mix of shrimp and peas. All types of dry- and frozen food are also accepted. It is important to provide a varied diet, rich in protein, to maintain the health and vibrant colors of the fish.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size and setup: For a harem of Copadichromis atripinnis, an aquarium at least 150 centimeters in length is recommended. For multiple pairs, a considerably larger aquarium is needed, such as 200 centimeters or more, to provide adequate space and minimize territorial conflicts. The setup should mimic the natural habitat: an open, sandy bottom with scattered rocks. Plants are not necessary, but some robust species can be added. A sandy bottom is most suitable.
Water values: The ideal water values are a pH of 7.5-8.5, a temperature of 22 to 26°C and medium hardness. Regular water changes are essential for maintaining good water quality.
Compatibility with other fish: Copadichromis atripinnis can be kept well with other, equally large and also peaceful, plankton-eating cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as certain species of Pseudotropheus, Cynotilapia or Labidochromis. Aggressive or territorially dominant species should be avoided. It is important to provide adequate space to avoid conflict.
Breeding aquarium and Conditioning of Copadichromis atripinnis
Copadichromis atripinnis can be bred in a mixed aquarium. For this, you need a harem of one male with several females. To breed successfully, it is probably necessary to use a special breeding aquarium, larger than the minimum aquarium for a group. Water quality should be optimal, with regular water changes. Specific water parameters (pH, temperature, hardness) should match the fish’s natural habitat. Lighting is less critical, but should mimic natural daylight.
For conditioning (preparation for breeding), a varied and nutritious diet is important. This includes high-quality pellets, frozen food (mysis, artemia, cyclops) and live food. The exact ratio of males to females in a breeding group is not very important, but a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 is often recommended for Malawi cichlids.
The Spawn
Males develop more intense colors (blue head and flanks with orange and yellow highlights) during mating season. Males build bowers (nests) to attract females.
Once a female is ready to mate, she accompanies the male to his nest. While turning around each other, the female lays her eggs. She turns around and takes the eggs into her mouth. Meanwhile, the male fertilizes the eggs. After the eggs are deposited, the male’s job is over.
Raising the Young Fish of Copadichromis atripinnis
These are mouthbrooders in which the females carry the eggs and larvae in their mouths for about 3 weeks. After a few days, the eggs hatch but the young fish remain in the female ‘ s mouth for about 3 weeks after deposition. She eats little to nothing during this period. After 3 weeks she releases the young fish. You can feed the young fish with newly hatched artemia or crushed flake food.
Details about Copadichromis atripinnis
The papers contain some additional details about Copadichromis atripinnis not covered in the previous chapters:
- Geographic distribution: The species occurs along the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, specifically around the Nankhumba Peninsula, the islands of Thumbi West and Domwe, Chidunga Rocks, Chipoka, the Maleri Islands and along the east coast of Malawi between Gome and Chimwalani Reef. The depth at which they live ranges from 12 to 25 meters. A specific population, the “Chidunga type,” has been named in connection with Chidunga Rocks.
- Food: The fish feeds on plankton in the water column and benthic invertebrates. In aquaria the species accepts a wide range of foods, including spirulina pellets , mysis, artemia, cyclops and a mix of shrimp and peas.
- Behavior: Males build bowers (nests) on sandy slopes near rocky areas. The distance between bowers is about 2-7 meters. Females gather in large schools, sometimes more than a hundred individuals. The shoals forage about 2-3 meters above the bottom and feed on plankton and benthic invertebrates. Mouthbrooding females are found close to the bottom.
- Body length: Males can grow up to 14 cm long in the wild, but in aquaria they can grow up to 16 cm. Females grow to be about 12 cm long.
Conclusion
Copadichromis atripinnis is a fascinating Malawi cichlid with a striking color pattern and interesting behavior. Although they can be kept in groups, the territoriality of the males requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places. The species is relatively easy to care for in terms of water values and nutrition, but the minimum aquarium size and the need for multiple females per male do not make it an ideal beginner fish. A well-designed aquarium with a sandy bottom and rocks, and a varied diet, are essential for successful breeding and long-term health.
The mouthbreeding characteristic and the shoaling formation of females are notable features. The three characteristic spots on the flanks are a useful identification feature. In general, Copadichromis atripinnis is a relatively easy fish to keep, provided the specific requirements of space and water quality are met. Experience with this species has been positive, but successful breeding requires attention to detail and an understanding of their natural behavior.
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Author
John de Lange
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References
- Stauffer, J. R., Jr., & Konings, A. F. (2006). Review of Copadichromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with the description of a new genus and six new species. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters, 17(1), 9-42 .
- Stauffer, J. R., Jr., & Sato, T. (2002). A new species of Copadichromis (Cichlidae) from Thumbi West Island, Lake Malawi. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters , 13(1), 91-95.
