HomeFreshwater aquarium fishAfrican cichlidsMelanochromis chipokae Melanochromis chipokae Scientific name: Melanochromis chipokae Johnson, 1975 Melanochromis chipokae is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 in). It is moderate to keep and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 25–28°C (77–82°F) and a pH of 7.3–8.5. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Chipoka (southwest arm of Lake Malawi). Melanochromis chipokae care at a glanceCare levelModerateAdult size12 cm (4.7 in)Minimum tank210 L (55 US gal)Temperature25–28°C (77–82°F)pH7.3–8.5Hardness7–18 dGH (125–321 ppm)DietHerbivore BiologyPrefers sandy patches among rocks. Feeds on small fishes.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameMelanochromis chipokaeFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length12.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 7.3 - 8.5; dH range: 7 - 18 demersalClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Chipoka (southwest arm of Lake Malawi).Conservation status (IUCN)Vulnerable (VU) (D2)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm More african cichlidsGolden mbunaMelanochromis auratusPseudotropheus crabroLabidochromis chisumulaeBlue streak hapLabidochromis caeruleusScrapermouth mbunaLabeotropheus trewavasaeBlue mbunaLabeotropheus fuelleborniSee all african cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026