Mloto Cichlid

Copadichromis mloto is a peaceful open-water haplochromine from Lake Malawi, where it forms large schools over intermediate and sandy zones, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. Dominant males develop stunning metallic blue coloration, while females and subdominant males stay silvery. Keep this species in groups of one male to several females in a spacious tank of 400 litres or more with fine sand, open swimming room, and a few rock refuges. It suits a mixed Malawi haplochromine community but should be kept away from boisterous mbuna, which stress it. Maintain hard, alkaline water at pH 7.6-8.6, 24-27C, with strong filtration and good oxygenation. Offer a planktivore diet of quality flakes, small pellets, cyclops, and brine shrimp; avoid high-protein mammalian foods that cause Malawi bloat.