"Chipoka"
Copadichromis cf. verduyni

Description

Geographic Range: Endemic to Lake Malawi, particularly found in rocky habitats along the shoreline.

Diet:
Copadichromis cf. verduyni is primarily a planktivore, feeding on zooplankton and small invertebrates in the wild.
In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet consisting mainly of high-quality pellets or flakes formulated for herbivorous cichlids. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

Average Adult Size:
Adult Copadichromis cf. verduyni typically reach sizes ranging from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), with males often being larger and more colorful than females.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended for a small group of Copadichromis cf. verduyni.
Larger tanks with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots are preferred, especially for keeping multiple specimens.

Temperament:
Copadichromis cf. verduyni is relatively peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive tankmates.
They may exhibit some territorial behavior, especially during breeding periods. Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce aggression.

Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 7.8-8.6
Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
Hardness: Lake Malawi cichlids prefer hard water with a dH range of 10-20.
Ammonia: Should be maintained at zero ppm (parts per million).
Nitrite: Should be maintained at zero ppm.
Nitrate: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration.