Copadichromis sp. Kawanga
Copadichromis sp. Kawanga is an as yet undescribed species. There are several geographical variants, all of which probably belong to this species. You will see names that are followed by the location where they were caught.
In English they are also called Copadichromis Kawanga Borleyi. This is because the body shape is very similar to that of Copadichromis borleyi.
Description
Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga” males grow to a total length of about 15 centimeters (6 inches) in the wild. The females remain slightly smaller at 13 centimeters (5 inches). Juveniles and females usually have 3 black dots on the flank. Adult males also show these dots from time to time.
The color of the females is silvery brown. The males can completely change color. The head varies from metalic blue to almost black. There are a number of black vertical bands on the flank. In between, a light yellow to dark yellow color can be seen.
This species is known for being able to change its color very quickly. The male’s breeding colors then change to the female’s colors with dots or even make the black dots disappear. The only thing that stands out is the cream color on the head of both males and females.
This species is quite calm in terms of character. Combine them with other species that are not too busy or dominant.
Origin
Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga” only occurs in the north of Lake Malawi. They inhabit the open water there near the transition zone from rocks to open water.
Diet
In the wild, Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga” feeds on plankton in the open water. In the aquarium you can feed them with granules, flake food, live and frozen food. They are carnivores so you can feed them with cyclops, brine shrimp, mysis, white and black mosquitoe larvae and small or finely chopped shrimps.
The Aquarium
The aquarium must be quite spacious for this open water resident. They need quite a bit of space to swim.
Set up the aquarium with (filter) sand on the bottom. Furthermore, some rocks are needed between which the females can hide to escape the attention of the male. Leaves plenty of space in the middle.
Males are intolerant of each other. You can therefore only keep one male in an aquarium. Because the male constantly wants to mate with the females, it is advisable to keep them in a harem. It is therefore preferable to keep one male with three or more females. The male must then divide his attention and advances among the females so that they can get some rest every now and then.
Water parameters
The temperature of the water may be between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. This species feels most at home at a pH of about 7.5 to 8.5. The other water values are not very important.
Breeding Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga”
The cultivation of Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga” is like many Malawi Cichlids. It is a species that spawns fairly easily and often.
When the male notices that a female is ready to lay eggs, its color changes dramatically to its breeding colors. He tries to lure the female to the spot in the sand where he wants to spawn. With trembling movements he shows his flank to the female. It flares its fins widely and shows its most beautiful colors. Once the female is ready, she accompanies him to the bottom.
While circling each other, the female lays a few eggs in the sand. She turns around and picks up the eggs in her mouth. The male circles with her and releases some sperm. This fertilizes the eggs in her mouth. After all the eggs have been laid, the male’s job is done.
The female hatches the eggs in her mouth. The eggs hatch after a few days, but the young fish continue to live on their egg yolk sac inside her mouth for quite some time. So they will continue to grow for a while. Only after about 22 to 24 days after spawning do the young fish leave their mother’s mouth.
Breeding aquarium
In itself, a breeding aquarium for Copadichromis sp. “Kawanga” is not necessary. They simply reproduce in an aquarium with other species.
When the young fish are released, they often provide a tasty snack for the other fish. If you want to breed this species, we recommend a breeding aquarium. This can be a small aquarium of, for example, 40 or 50 centimeters wide. Set this up with sand on the bottom and a few rocks between which a mouthbrooding female can hide.
Move the mouthbrooding female after about 18 days of incubation to the breeding aquarium. She usually holds the young fish in her mouth when being removed. Now place her in the breeding aquarium. After day 22 to 24 she will release the fry. You now have plenty of time to catch the mother fish and place her back in the large aquarium. She will not eat her fry for the first couple of hourse after she released them.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Mark Thomas – Marks Fiskenarie
References
Ad Konings – Malawi Cichliden in hun natuurlijke omgeving – 4e editie.
