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SKU:HAP1718S
IVORYHEAD MLOTO (Copadichromis trewavasae "Likoma island")
IVORYHEAD MLOTO (Copadichromis trewavasae "Likoma island")
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$29.99 CAD
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Copadichromis trewavasae "Likoma Island" (commonly known in the aquarium trade as the Ivory Head Mloto or Mloto Likoma) is a strikingly beautiful, relatively peaceful African cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Belonging to the "Utaka" group of cichlids, this specific geographic variant is highly prized for the intense coloration displayed by breeding males.
Physical Appearance & Dimorphism
- Breeding Males: Develop a deep black-to-dark-blue body contrasted by a brilliant, white-to-light-blue "blaze" (hence "Ivory Head") that runs from the tip of the nose, across the dorsum, and onto the upper margin of the caudal fin. Likoma Island variants typically develop a slightly deeper body profile than other regional populations.
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Females & Juveniles:
Retain a subdued, silvery-beige or light grey color profile characterized by a distinctive three-spot pattern along their sides.
- Size: Adult males reach about 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches), while females stay slightly smaller, hovering around 10 cm (4 inches).
Natural Habitat & Diet
In Lake Malawi, they are found primarily in the intermediate zone—the specific territory where rocky reefs transition into open sandy floors. Unlike open-water Utaka, they stay close to the substrate. They are micro-predators/planktonivores that filter-feed on tiny invertebrates, plankton, and organisms floating just above the sediment or picked from the soft bottom.
Aquarium Care Profile
| Parameter | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tank Size | 75 gallons (approx. 300L) for a small group; a 4–5 foot long tank is highly recommended. |
| Water Temperature | 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F). |
| pH Range | 7.8 – 8.8 (requires hard, alkaline water typical of Lake Malawi). |
| Substrate & Decor | Fine sand substrate with scattered large rocks to form caves and territories while preserving wide-open swimming space. |
| Diet | High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, or vegetable matter. Avoid overly rich beef heart or mammal proteins. |
| Temperament | Mildly territorial during breeding but generally peaceful compared to aggressive Mbuna cichlids. |
| Stocking Ratio | Best kept in a harem of 1 male to 3 or more females to distribute the male's breeding attention. Avoid mixing with highly aggressive tankmates. |
Breeding Behavior
They are maternal mouthbrooders. During spawning, a territorial male will excavate a shallow bower or pit underneath or right next to a boulder. He coaxes a female to lay eggs there, which he fertilizes before she gathers them into her mouth. The female will "hold" the incubating eggs and fry for roughly 3 weeks, during which she will not eat.
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