Copadichromis chrysonotus
Copadichromis chrysonotus was originally described as Paratilapia chrysonota by Boulenger in 1908, but was later reclassified into the genus Copadichromis. The genus name Copadichromis was introduced in 1989 by Eccles and Trewavas. It is a combination of the Greek kopadi, meaning “school of fish,” and chromis, an ancient name dating back to Aristotle and possibly derived from chroemo (to neigh). Chromis originally referred to a drum fish (Sciaenidae) because of the sound it makes, but was later extended to perch-like fish such as cichlids. Kopadi refers to the schooling behavior of most species within this genus.
The species name chrysonotus is derived from the Greek words chryso– (gold) and notus (back). This refers to the golden yellow stripe that runs from the top of the head, across the neck, and along the rear part of the dorsal fin in breeding males.
Synonyms: Paratilapia chrysonota, Cyrtocara chrysonota, Cyrtocara chrysonotus, Haplochromis chrysonotus.
Description
Copadichromis chrysonotus has an elongated, oval body, typical of cichlids from Lake Malawi. The head and flanks are predominantly blue-gray to silvery in color. During the breeding season, males develop an intense yellow to orange color on their backs, extending from the head to the dorsal fin. This golden yellow stripe is the reason for their species name chrysonotus (golden back). Outside the breeding season, this color is less prominent. Three dark spots are visible on the flanks of females and non-dominant males. The fins are usually transparent to light blue, with sometimes a yellow tint in the dorsal and anal fins of males. This species can reach a maximum length of about 15 centimeters in the aquarium, slightly smaller than in the wild where they can grow up to 18 centimeters.
The aquarium also offers a variant with a white stripe on its back, known as Copadichromis chrysonotus White Blaze.
Differences between the sexes: The most striking difference between males and females is their color. Males are considerably more colorful, particularly the bright yellow to orange stripe on their backs during the breeding season. Females retain their gray/brown color and lack the intense stripe on their backs. Males are also often slightly larger than females. In terms of behavior, males are generally territorial, especially during the breeding season, while females tend to stay more in the background.
Juveniles: Young Copadichromis chrysonotus resemble the females in color and lack the striking colors of the adult males. As they age, the males gradually develop their characteristic colors.
Behavior and temperament: Copadichromis chrysonotus is a relatively peaceful cichlid species. They are not overly aggressive, but males can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season. They live in groups (harems) consisting of one dominant male and several females. They are not schooling fish in the strict sense of the word, but they do feel safer and exhibit more natural behavior in a group. They mainly inhabit the middle water layers of the aquarium and are active during the day. They can sometimes be a little shy, especially in a new environment, but generally get used to their aquarium quickly.
Life expectancy: In the wild, this species is estimated to live for 5 to 8 years. In a well-maintained aquarium, they may live slightly longer, up to 10 years, provided they receive proper care and are kept in a suitable environment.
.
Biotope
Copadichromis chrysonotus is a fish species found in Lake Malawi, but also in the connected Lake Malombe and the Shire River in East Africa. These waters border the countries of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
The habitat of this cichlid consists of rocky shores and shallow zones with a sandy bottom. There is little underwater vegetation in the form of plants, but the rock formations provide shelter and serve as territory. The banks vary from overgrown with trees and shrubs to rocky and bare. The Copadichromis chrysonotus is mainly found in the rocky zones.
The soil consists of sand mixed with rocks and stones. These rock formations are essential to their way of life, as they use them to shelter, breed, and mark their territory.
Diet
In the wild, Copadichromis chrysonotus feeds mainly on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and insect larvae found in open waters and among rocks. They are therefore primarily carnivorous, but their diet may also include plant matter, depending on availability in their environment.
In an aquarium environment, it is important to provide a varied diet that mimics their natural nutritional needs. A good staple diet consists of high-quality cichlid flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen foods such as artemia, daphnia, and mysis. Live food can also be given, but make sure it comes from a reliable source to prevent the introduction of diseases. Plant material, such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach, can be added occasionally to complete their diet. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to water pollution and health problems in the fish. Feed them small amounts several times a day instead of one large meal.
The Aquarium
A spacious aquarium is required for keeping Copadichromis chrysonotus. For a small group, for example one male with several females, an aquarium of at least 300 liters is recommended. If you want to keep several pairs or a larger group, an aquarium of 500 liters or more is necessary. This gives the fish enough space to exhibit their natural behavior and prevents territorial conflicts.
The aquarium setup should mimic the natural habitat of this species as closely as possible. In the wild, they mainly live in areas with a sandy bottom and lots of rocks, where they can hide and mark their territory. Plants are scarce in their natural habitat, so there is no need to add a lot of vegetation. Rocks and stones are more important; these can be used to create hiding places and sight lines, so that the fish feel safe and can avoid each other. The best substrate is fine (filter) sand, as this most closely resembles the bottom of Lake Malawi and the other waters where this species occurs. Gravel can be sharp and is less suitable, as the fish sometimes burrow in the sand.
The water values must be stable and slightly alkaline. The ideal temperature is between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. The pH value should be between 7.5 and 8.5. Ensure good filtration and regular water changes, as these fish like clean, oxygen-rich water.
Copadichromis chrysonotus can coexist well with other peaceful cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as Aulonocara, Labidochromis caeruleus, Placidochromis, and Cyrtocara moorii. Avoid keeping them with highly aggressive species, such as many Mbuna cichlids, as these can be too dominant and disturb the peace. Large predatory fish or very small, vulnerable species are also not a good combination.
In short, with sufficient space, a sandy bottom, plenty of rocks, and stable water parameters, you can successfully keep this beautiful cichlid in your aquarium in a natural way.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding Copadichromis chrysonotus in an aquarium is entirely possible, but it is important to take their natural behavior and needs into account. In most cases, a special breeding aquarium is used, especially if the aim is to breed specifically and increase the survival chances of the young. A breeding aquarium of at least 150 to 200 liters is recommended for a harem consisting of one male and two to four females. This size provides sufficient space for the male’s territorial behavior and allows the females to retreat.
The water quality in the breeding aquarium must be stable and of high quality. The temperature is best kept between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, with a pH value between 7.8 and 8.5. The water should be moderately hard to hard, comparable to the natural conditions in Lake Malawi. A powerful, but not too strong filter system ensures clean and oxygen-rich water. A normal day-night rhythm is sufficient for lighting; bright light is not necessary, but the aquarium should not be too dark either.
The aquarium should be set up with a sandy bottom and sufficient rocks or stones so that the fish can create hiding places and territories. Plants are not necessary, but can be added for extra shelter.
To condition the fish, or prepare them for breeding, it is important to feed them a varied and nutritious diet. This consists of high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live food such as artemia, mysis, and daphnia. This stimulates egg production in females and ensures that the fish are in optimal condition.
It is not necessarily necessary to separate the males and females beforehand. In practice, they are often kept together in the breeding aquarium, with the male choosing a territory and approaching the females when they are ready to mate. In some cases, it may be useful to temporarily separate the females if the male is too dominant, but this is usually not necessary if there are sufficient hiding places.
The most common ratio in a breeding group is one male to two to four females. This prevents one female from being constantly chased and gives the group a more natural dynamic. After mating, the female takes the fertilized eggs into her mouth, where they hatch and the young are cared for during the first few weeks. It is advisable to separate the female after she has taken the eggs, so that she can brood in peace and spit out the young without other fish disturbing her or eating the young.
The spawn
During spawning, the males of Copadichromis chrysonotus display their most striking colors. The golden yellow stripe on their backs becomes extra bright and their bodies take on an intense blue to purplish sheen. This color enhancement is intended to attract females and deter other males. Females remain more subdued in color, with a silver-gray to light brown hue.
The courtship ritual begins when the male chooses a territory in open water, usually above a sandy or rocky bottom, but without actual contact with the substrate. Unlike many other cichlids, the eggs are not deposited on the sand or on a solid surface, but directly in open water. The male performs a courtship dance in which he swims around the female, spreads his fins, and displays his colors. The female responds by staying close to the male, and together they circle in open water.
Spawning usually takes place in the early morning hours, when the fish are most active. During mating, the female releases the eggs directly into the open water, after which she quickly catches them with her mouth. The male fertilizes the eggs by releasing his sperm into the water, which is then absorbed by the female along with the eggs. This process is called mouthbrooding: the eggs are not laid in a fixed place, but are collected directly in the female’s mouth.
The number of eggs per clutch is relatively small, averaging between 30 and 60. The eggs are quite large in relation to the fish and are light yellow to beige in color. Mouthbrooding provides the eggs with good protection against predators and external influences, which increases the young’s chances of survival.
In summary: with Copadichromis chrysonotus, spawning takes place in open water, with the eggs being taken directly into the female’s mouth. The male’s colors are at their most beautiful during this period, and the courtship ritual is a spectacular sight in the aquarium.
Raising the Young Fish
After spawning, the eggs of Copadichromis chrysonotus are immediately taken into the mouth of the female, as this species is a mouthbrooder. The incubation period in the female’s mouth usually lasts between 18 and 21 days, depending on the water temperature. During this time, the eggs are protected and supplied with oxygen by the constant movement of the female’s mouth.
After about three days, the eggs hatch and develop into small fish, also known as larvae. They then feed on their yolk sac and continue to grow. After about 21 days, the young fish are ready to be released. At that point, the female releases the young into open water, but they can quickly retreat back into her mouth if danger threatens.
Parental care is provided entirely by the female. After spawning, the male no longer interferes with the young. The female continues to accompany the young for several days to a week after they have started swimming freely. During this period, she actively protects the young from predators and other fish. After about a week, the young are large enough to survive independently and the female’s active care stops.
The first food for the young fish consists of very fine powdered food or artemia. After a few days, they can also be given finely ground dry food or freshly hatched artemia nauplii (brine shrimp). It is important to feed the young fish small amounts several times a day so that they grow well and remain strong.
During the growth phase, it is essential to keep the water clean. In a growth aquarium, 10 to 20 percent of the water is usually changed daily, depending on the occupancy and water quality. This prevents the accumulation of waste products and promotes healthy growth.
Particularities
Upon reviewing the documents provided, particularly the scientific article on the management of Copadichromis chrysonotus in Lake Malombe, several interesting details emerge that have not yet been discussed in the previous chapters, or have only been touched upon briefly.
- Economic and ecological importance
Copadichromis chrysonotus is of great importance to local fisheries in Lake Malombe, where this species accounts for an annual catch of more than 500 tons. This makes the species one of the most important small cichlids in the region, both as a food source for the local population and for the economy of the area. Fishing for this species is mainly carried out with so-called nkacha nets, which account for a large part of the total catch in the lake. - Fast-growing and early maturing species
This cichlid is a fast-growing and early maturing species. The length at which 50% of females reach sexual maturity is around 72 mm total length, and the average age at which they reach sexual maturity is only 0.73 years (approximately 8-9 months). This means that the species can reproduce relatively quickly, which is important for the recovery of the population under high fishing pressure. - Limited lifespan
The maximum age recorded in the wild for C. chrysonotus in the wild is approximately 5 years, but most individuals do not live longer than 2 to 3 years due to natural mortality and fishing pressure. This is relatively short for a cichlid, which is consistent with their strategy of rapid growth and early reproduction. - Low egg production and mouthbrooding
The species has a relatively low egg production per brood, with an average of only 49 eggs per female per brood. This low number is compensated by mouthbrooding behavior, whereby the eggs and young fish are protected from predation and other dangers in the female’s mouth. This significantly increases the survival rate of the offspring. - Overfishing and management
The study shows that the population of C. chrysonotus in Lake Malombe is under pressure from overfishing. The spawner biomass per recruit (SBR) has fallen to around 29% of its original level, which means that the reproductive stock has declined significantly. It is recommended that fishing effort be reduced by 20 to 50% in order to restore the stock to a sustainable level. - Selectivity of fishing gear
The nkacha nets used in Lake Malombe have a small mesh size (6–19 mm), which means that young fish are also caught. This contributes to the high fishing pressure on the population, as fish are often caught before they can reproduce. - Role in the ecosystem
Copadichromis chrysonotus is an important link in the lake’s food web. As a plankton eater, the species contributes to the regulation of plankton populations and itself serves as prey for larger predatory fish and birds. The species is therefore ecologically important for the balance of the lake. - Recommendations for management
The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to fisheries management, looking not only at this species, but at the entire ecosystem and the various fish species. This is necessary because many African inland waters, such as Lake Malombe, are characterized by a high species diversity and complex interactions between species.
Conclusion
Copadichromis chrysonotus is a fascinating cichlid with unique open water mouthbrooding behavior and a relatively peaceful nature. Due to their need for space, stable water parameters, and a diet that varies from plankton to small live food, they are best suited for advanced aquarium keepers with experience in keeping Malawi cichlids. Mimicking their natural habitat with plenty of swimming space and rocks is essential for their well-being.
Noteworthy are their rapid growth, early sexual maturity, and the fact that they produce relatively few but large eggs that are intensively cared for by the female. Although they are not extremely difficult to keep, their natural behavior and reproductive strategy require a thoughtful approach. With the right care and attention, they are beautiful, interesting fish that can add a lot to a Malawi aquarium.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
References
- Ad Konings – Back to Nature Gids voor Malawi Cichliden
- Weyl, O.L.F., Booth, A.J., Mwakiyongo, K.R., & Mandere, D.S. – “Management recommendations for Copadichromis chrysonotus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Lake Malombe, Malawi, based on per-recruit analysis.” Fisheries Research, 71 (2005), 165–173. Elsevier BV.
- Smith, L.W. – “The reproductive biology of an open-water spawning Lake Malawi cichlid Copadichromis chrysonotus.”
African Zoology, 35 (2), 151–164. - Seriously Fish – “Copadichromis chrysonotus.” Geraadpleegd op 10-06-2025.
