C. Kawanga Mbamba Bay
Copadichromis sp. "Kawanga"
C. Kawanga Mbamba Bay is a rare Lake Malawi hap associated with Mbamba Bay and rocky habitat. It is a larger, active hap that works best in spacious peacock and hap aquariums with stable hard water and similarly sized tank mates.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 8-9 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males develop the strongest display color; females and juveniles are usually more subdued.
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Body Shape: Medium-large hap body with an active swimming profile.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Mbamba Bay is in northern Lake Malawi on the Tanzanian side of the lake, close to Maunyuni Rocks, Sambia Reef (Luhuchi Rocks), and Teveleka.
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Natural Habitat: Lives at the edge of rocky habitats, usually over sandy substrates. Most commonly found at depths between 33 and 66 ft, but recorded from as shallow as 16 ft and as deep as 115 ft depending on locality.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Mbamba Bay include Labidochromis sp. 'mbamba' Mbamba Bay, Chindongo elongatus 'Mbamba Bay', Copadichromis verduyni 'Mbamba Bay', and Diplotaxodon greenwoodi 'Mbamba Bay'.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and sturdy peacocks.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room, sand, rockwork for cover and sight breaks, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may defend preferred areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and released fry should be protected.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks.
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Avoid: Small fish, delicate species, and overly aggressive cichlids in cramped tanks.
