| Scientific Name: Melanochromis chipokae |
| Pronunciation: m
|
| Common Name(s): Malawi Pike Cichlid |
| Geo. Origin: Chipoka Rocks |
| Habitat: Sediment-Free Rocky Habitat |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Temperament: Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Extremely Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 5" |
| Temperature: 78 - 82°F |
| pH: 7.8 - 8.6 |
| Water Hardness: Hard |
| Difficulty: 3 |
Images: |
Large male Subadult male Adult male Large male Adult male |
Photo Credit: Jeff Bullman |
Comments: |
This highly aggressive cichlid has a dark blue body with light blue bars The females have much more distinctive, yellow and black coloration. The Melanochromis chipokae is considered omnivorous, but according to stomach content analysis it's primary diet is crustaceans, insect larvae and small fish. Currently endangered in the wild, likely due to selective collection. |