Chipokae Cichlid

The chipokae is a Melanochromis species named after the Chipoka area on the southwestern shore of Lake Malawi. Mature males carry two bright light-blue horizontal stripes on a dark navy background; females, on the other hand, have dark stripes on a yellowish-brown background and resemble the auratus female. It is one of the most aggressive members of the genus Melanochromis; in a small aquarium the male constantly chases the females and other fish.

• At least 300 liters and 150 cm in length for a single male and 4–6 females.
• Rock piles covering the aquarium, with many caves and broken lines of sight.
• Hard and alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–50% water changes.

Omnivorous. A spirulina-based mbuna food should be the staple; brine shrimp, mysis and cyclops can be added a few times a week. Bloodworms and foods containing mammalian meat should be avoided.

The male claims most of the aquarium and is very pugnacious toward striped or blue fish. It should only be kept with sturdy mbuna of similar size and different colors.

Good companions: large, sturdy mbuna such as red zebra, Labeotropheus species and bumblebee cichlid, large Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: striped Melanochromis species such as auratus, johanni and maingano, small and calm mbuna, haps, community fish, shrimp and snails.