Copadichromis quadrimaculatus
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
ACTINOPTERYGII |
PERCIFORMES |
CICHLIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Copadichromis quadrimaculatus |
| Species Authority: |
(Regan, 1922) |
| Taxonomic Notes: |
This species shows variation in morphology and colouration (especially females), suggesting that there may be more than one species — it is probably a species complex. |
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Least Concern
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2006 |
| Assessor/s: |
Kazembe, J., Makocho, P. & Mailosi, A. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Snoeks, J. (Freshwater Fish Red List Authority) & Darwall, W. (Freshwater Biodiversity Assessment Programme) |
Justification:
Endemic to Lake Malawi. Widespread distribution with no major widespread threats identified.
|
Geographic Range
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Population
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| Population: |
This is the most abundant 'utaka' in the lake.
|
| Population Trend: |
Unknown
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
Mainly a rock dwelling species, found at depths down to 75 m. Common in shallower water of about 18 m. Breeding adults are caught inshore close to rocks. Breeding males hold territories on rocks at depths varying between 20–50 m. It is mainly zooplanktivorous although it is reported to sometimes feed on small fishes. Females spawn only once during the breeding season gathering in separate schools after spawning and moving closer inshore in rocky habitat. The fry are released in very shallow water. This species has been recorded in the middle of the lake off Nkhata Bay. It is the only utaka that is a true open water species for part of its life history. The adults, when at least three years old, are reported to leave the pelagic school in May and breed inshore until August. It is one of the most economically important 'utaka' in the lake. In the northern part of the lake it is the basis of a seasonal fishery from April to July. Caught in chilimira nets, gill nets and in trawls.
|
| Systems: |
Freshwater |
| Major Threat(s): |
None known.
|
Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
No information available.
|
