Melanochromis chipokae
Melanochromis chipokae was first described by Johnson in 1975. This fish belongs to the family Cichlidae, which is known for its diversity and colorful species. The family Cichlidae consists of about 2000 species divided into several genera. The genus Melanochromis currently contains 15 recognized species.
The genus name Melanochromis is derived from Greek, where ‘melano’ means black. The word Chromis was already mentioned by Aristotle and possibly derived from the word “Chroemo” which means neighing. It is a reference to a drum which in turn refers to the ability to make sound. Chromis was later used for a large group of fish including cichlids, damselfish, wrasses etc. Previously it was thought that all these perch-like fish were related to each other. This name is often used in the names of African genera. The species name Chipokae refers to the Chidunga Rocks near the island Chipoka in Lake Malawi.
Synonyms: Melanochromis loriae, Melanochromis parallelus.
Description
Melanochromis chipokae has a slender, spindle-shaped body with a striking color pattern. Males have a dark blue to black body color with two broad, light blue horizontal stripes. The head is blue with a dark blue/black occipital region. The fins are blue with white edges, and the caudal fin has a broad yellow edge. Females are yellow with two broad black stripes on the flanks and have a black submarginal band in the dorsal and anal fins. Males can grow to about 14 cm in the wild, while in an aquarium they can grow to 16 cm. Females grow to about 12 cm in length.
Differences between males and females:
- Physical differences: Males are larger and have a darker color pattern with blue stripes, while females are yellow with black stripes.
- Behavioral differences: Males are very territorial and aggressive, especially towards other males. Females are less aggressive and more inclined to live in groups.
- Juveniles: Juvenile males and females resemble the females, but the males develop their adult coloration pattern as they mature.
Behavior and temperament:
Melanochromis chipokae is a very territorial and aggressive fish, especially towards conspecifics and other territorial species. They live solitary or in small groups and are bottom dwellers who mainly stay in the middle waters. They are not shy and can become very aggressive during the breeding season.
Life expectancy:
In the wild, they can live for about 7 years, while in a well-maintained aquarium, they can have a similar lifespan.
Biotope
Melanochromis chipokae is found along the rocky shores of Chidunga Rocks in Lake Malawi, Africa. They live in the transition zones from rock to sand and usually stay in relatively shallow waters, between 5 and 15 meters deep.
Habitat description:
Their natural habitat consists of rocky areas with little underwater vegetation. The edges of the water are usually bare without many trees. The bottom consists mainly of sand and rocks.
Natural predators and hunting behavior:
Melanochromis chipokae is an opportunistic hunter that feeds on small fish, crustaceans and algae. They have few natural predators due to their aggressive nature.
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate without seasonal flooding or droughts.
Diet
In the wild they feed on small fish, crustaceans and algae that they pick from rocks.
Diet in the aquarium:
In the aquarium they will accept a wide variety of foods including dry food, brine shrimp, mysis, shrimp mix, and algae-rich foods such as spirulina pellets and flakes.
The Aquarium
Aquarium Size:
A minimum tank size of 150 centimeters (60 inches) is recommended for a single pair. A larger tank of at least 250 centimeters (90 inches) is needed for multiple pairs.
Aquarium setup:
The aquarium should be set up with lots of rocks and hiding places. Use sand as substrate and avoid plants, as these fish tend to destroy plants.
Water parameters:
The best water parameters for this species are a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, a temperature between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, and a hardness of 6 to 12 DGH.
Suitable tank mates:
They can be kept together with other Mbuna species such as Pseudotropheus saulosi, but avoid other Melanochromis species to prevent hybridization.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
No special breeding tank is required for breeding. They can be bred in a tank with other fish and other species. Condition the fish with a varied diet of live and frozen foods. Make sure to keep a ratio of three females to one male.
The spawn
Colors and ritual:
During spawning, the colors of the fish become more intense. Courtship involves the male digging holes in the substrate. He tries to lure the female to the breeding hole with trembling movements and widely spread fins. In the hole, they circle each other. The eggs are laid in these holes and then fertilized by the male. Spawning usually takes place in the morning. The eggs are hatched in the female’s mouth (mouthbrooding).
Number of eggs:
A female can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are small and white in color.
Raising the fry
Hatching and free swimming:
The eggs hatch after about 3 to 4 days. The female holds the newly hatched fry in her mouth for about 3 weeks after spawning. After this, she releases the young fish between the rocks. The young then immediately take care of themselves.
First feeding:
The fry are fed finely ground flakes or freshly hatched artemia. Water changes should be done regularly, about 20% per week, to maintain water quality.
Raising aquarium:
If the fry are released into an aquarium with adult fish, they often end up as a snack. If you want to keep more fry, you need a growing-up aquarium. For this, take an aquarium of about 50 centimeters in length. Set it up with some sand on the bottom and a few rocks where the female can hide. Catch her on day 18. After releasing the fry, she does not eat them immediately. You have enough time to put the female back in the main aquarium.
Conclusion
Melanochromis chipokae is a beautiful but challenging fish to keep due to its aggressive and territorial nature. They are not suitable for beginners but can be an interesting addition for experienced aquarists willing to meet their specific needs. It is important to vary their diet and provide a well-equipped aquarium to ensure their well-being.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Markus Bredehöft – Instagram
Pete Barnes
