Copadichromis chrysonotus

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Copadichromis chrysonotus, also known as White Blaze, is an African cichlid from the utaka group, a group of open-water fishes native to Lake Malawi. Mature males draw attention with their metallic blue coloration and the pale marking on the dorsal fin that inspired the common name. Peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, it can still become territorial during spawning. This species needs a spacious aquarium with strong filtration and a rocky layout. Its availability in the aquarium trade is variable and generally less consistent than that of the most commonly sold Malawi cichlids.

General species description

Copadichromis chrysonotus is a haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, generally placed among the utaka. It spends much of its time in open water above rocky or mixed bottoms rather than clinging closely to rocks like many mbunas. Mature males become the most colourful fish and defend a spawning area, while females remain more subdued. Outside the breeding period, the species is usually schooling and should be kept in a group with more females than males. Its behaviour is generally active, relatively peaceful and social, although competition between males can increase in a cramped aquarium. A large tank, good water movement and visual barriers provided by rockwork are recommended.

Geographic origin and biotope (reference countries: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

This species is endemic to Lake Malawi, which is shared by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It occurs in open water near rocky shorelines, where light levels are strong and aquatic vegetation is usually sparse. The biotope is alkaline, mineral-rich and well oxygenated, with clear water and constant natural movement. Bottoms may combine sand, gravel and rocks. In the aquarium, stable water conditions are more important than a densely planted layout: several rock piles, open swimming areas and efficient filtration are more suitable. Water temperature is generally around 24 to 27 °C, with an alkaline pH.

Precise location and local name

Copadichromis chrysonotus is reported from different areas of Lake Malawi, but precise trade labels may vary according to the population and collection locality. The most common local and aquarium term associated with its group is utaka, a general name for several plankton-feeding open-water cichlids from the lake. White Blaze is a trade vernacular name referring to the pale marking shown by males, rather than a traditional local name belonging to one community. When possible, fish should be identified with their collection locality, especially when exchanged among breeders. This helps limit the mixing of lineages and the production of hybrids.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a relatively narrow head and long fins suited to open-water swimming. Mature males develop a silver-blue to metallic blue body, often with darker tones along the back and fins. The most sought-after feature is the pale or white area on the dorsal fin, which gives rise to the name White Blaze. Females are usually brownish grey or silvery and show much less colour. As with several mouthbrooding Malawi cichlids, eggs and fry are protected inside the female’s mouth. Adult size generally approaches 16 cm, depending on sex and rearing conditions.

General diet

In nature, Copadichromis chrysonotus mainly feeds on plankton and small drifting organisms in the water column. In captivity, its diet should therefore remain rich in plant ingredients and marine or plankton-based foods, without excessive fat. High-quality Malawi cichlid pellets can form the staple diet, supplemented with foods containing spirulina, fine krill or zooplankton. Several small meals each day better imitate its feeding pattern than one large feeding. Choose food suited to utaka cichlids and avoid diets dominated by rich meaty foods, which may contribute to digestive problems. Uneaten food should be removed promptly to keep the water clean.

Essential data

• River of origin: Lake Malawi; a lake-dwelling species.
• Local name used: Utaka, a general group name.
• Origin of the scientific name: Copadichromis is the genus name; chrysonotus is the specific epithet.
• Etymology of the full name: Copadichromis refers to a cichlid that lives in schools or open water; chrysonotus means golden-backed, from the Greek chrysos, gold, and notos, back.
• Common/vernacular names: White Blaze; utaka.
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: koh-pah-dik-KROH-miss - kree-soh-NOH-tuss
• Discovery: George Albert Boulenger, 1908.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 16 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.8 to 8.6.
• Appearance of the waterway and surrounding vegetation: Large, clear, alkaline and well-oxygenated lake; rocky shorelines, sandy bottoms and sparse aquatic vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Copadichromis azureus, Copadichromis borleyi, Copadichromis cyaneus, Copadichromis trewavasae.
• Temperament and behaviour: Active, schooling and generally peaceful; territorial during breeding.
• Water depth: Littoral and intermediate areas, often around 5 to 20 m.
• Sexual dimorphism: Male larger and more colourful, with the white dorsal marking; female duller.
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, gravel and rocks; open water with moderate movement and circulation.

In your aquarium

To keep Copadichromis chrysonotus successfully, provide a spacious aquarium, very stable alkaline water and filtration that maintains strong oxygenation. Keep a structured group with several females per male, and use rocks to break lines of sight without taking away swimming space. A varied diet offered in small portions supports growth and colour. Avoid excessively aggressive cichlids, poorly identified mixed populations and hybrids. Captive breeding and responsible purchasing help preserve distinct lineages. Consistent maintenance remains the key to success with this utaka cichlid.