{"product_id":"azure-cichlid-copadichromis-azureus-no-online-purchases","title":"Azure Cichlid (Copadichromis azureus) - (No Online Purchases)","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"21\" data-start=\"4\"\u003eAzure Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCopadichromis azureus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e) is a striking African cichlid from \u003cstrong data-end=\"112\" data-start=\"97\"\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eMalawi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It is prized in the aquarium hobby for the male's brilliant metallic blue colouration and relatively peaceful temperament compared with many other Malawi cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-end=\"841\" data-start=\"336\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-end=\"364\" data-start=\"336\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"364\" data-start=\"336\"\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"last:pe-10\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"353\" data-start=\"336\"\u003eCharacteristic\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"last:pe-10\" data-col-size=\"md\" data-end=\"364\" data-start=\"353\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-end=\"841\" data-start=\"375\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"420\" data-start=\"375\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"393\" data-start=\"375\"\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"420\" data-start=\"393\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"418\" data-start=\"395\"\u003eCopadichromis azureus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"452\" data-start=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"435\" data-start=\"421\"\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"452\" data-start=\"435\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eAzure Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"490\" data-start=\"453\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"462\" data-start=\"453\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-end=\"490\" data-start=\"462\"\u003eLake Malawi, East Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"550\" data-start=\"491\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"504\" data-start=\"491\"\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"550\" data-start=\"504\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e15–18 cm (males), females slightly smaller\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"584\" data-start=\"551\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"562\" data-start=\"551\"\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"584\" data-start=\"562\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e8–10 years or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"642\" data-start=\"585\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"599\" data-start=\"585\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-end=\"642\" data-start=\"599\"\u003eGenerally peaceful for a Malawi cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"701\" data-start=\"643\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"650\" data-start=\"643\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"701\" data-start=\"650\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eOmnivore with a preference for planktonic foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"754\" data-start=\"702\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"722\" data-start=\"702\"\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"754\" data-start=\"722\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e300 litres for a small group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"786\" data-start=\"755\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"775\" data-start=\"755\"\u003eWater temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-end=\"786\" data-start=\"775\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"803\" data-start=\"787\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"792\" data-start=\"787\"\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-end=\"803\" data-start=\"792\"\u003e7.8–8.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-end=\"841\" data-start=\"804\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"sm\" data-end=\"815\" data-start=\"804\"\u003eHardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-col-size=\"md\" data-end=\"841\" data-start=\"815\"\u003eModerate to hard water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"856\" data-start=\"843\" data-section-id=\"1kfytej\"\u003eAppearance\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1152\" data-start=\"858\"\u003eMature males develop an intense electric-blue body with darker blue highlights on the face and fins. Females and juveniles are much less colourful, typically silver-grey with faint markings. As with many Malawi cichlids, males display their best colours when dominant and in breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1178\" data-start=\"1154\" data-section-id=\"1ebn8ry\"\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1193\" data-start=\"1180\" data-section-id=\"132kfyr\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1330\" data-start=\"1195\"\u003eA minimum aquarium of \u003cstrong data-end=\"1231\" data-start=\"1217\"\u003e300 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended. Larger tanks are preferable if keeping multiple males or mixed Malawi communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1347\" data-start=\"1332\" data-section-id=\"j63dsz\"\u003eAquascaping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1455\" data-start=\"1349\"\u003eAzure cichlids inhabit open-water areas above rocky reefs in the wild. A suitable aquarium should include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1580\" data-start=\"1457\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1483\" data-start=\"1457\" data-section-id=\"1j00r8y\"\u003ePlenty of swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1517\" data-start=\"1484\" data-section-id=\"1urskrv\"\u003eRock piles or caves for shelter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1536\" data-start=\"1518\" data-section-id=\"1vanluh\"\u003eOpen sandy areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1580\" data-start=\"1537\" data-section-id=\"whjxr1\"\u003eStrong filtration and good water movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1675\" data-start=\"1582\"\u003eUnlike mbuna species, they do not spend all their time among rocks and appreciate open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1697\" data-start=\"1677\" data-section-id=\"19icmdv\"\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1708\" data-start=\"1699\"\u003eMaintain:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1812\" data-start=\"1710\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1732\" data-start=\"1710\" data-section-id=\"5ih9wy\"\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1746\" data-start=\"1733\" data-section-id=\"nk1ak8\"\u003epH: 7.8–8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1761\" data-start=\"1747\" data-section-id=\"1q54cwv\"\u003eGH: 8–20 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1812\" data-start=\"1762\" data-section-id=\"1xbj6zt\"\u003eLow nitrate levels through regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1879\" data-start=\"1814\"\u003eStable, clean water is more important than chasing exact numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1911\" data-start=\"1881\" data-section-id=\"1xrbeah\"\u003eBehaviour and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2048\" data-start=\"1913\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1936\" data-start=\"1913\"\u003eCopadichromis azureus\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the \"hap\" (haplochromine) group of Malawi cichlids and is generally less aggressive than many mbuna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2140\" data-start=\"2050\"\u003eSuitable tank mates include other peaceful to moderately assertive Malawi species such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2326\" data-start=\"2142\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2181\" data-start=\"2142\" data-section-id=\"wlg39x\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCopadichromis borleyi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2221\" data-start=\"2182\" data-section-id=\"1etlrsl\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eSciaenochromis fryeri\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2261\" data-start=\"2222\" data-section-id=\"1fetjdh\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003ePlacidochromis phenochilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2326\" data-start=\"2262\" data-section-id=\"nxryd8\"\u003eVarious non-aggressive peacock cichlids (\u003cem data-end=\"2317\" data-start=\"2305\"\u003eAulonocara\u003c\/em\u003e species)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2334\" data-start=\"2328\"\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2425\" data-start=\"2336\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2367\" data-start=\"2336\" data-section-id=\"7k18mr\"\u003eVery aggressive mbuna species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2389\" data-start=\"2368\" data-section-id=\"lgh82t\"\u003eTiny community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2425\" data-start=\"2390\" data-section-id=\"1wer62u\"\u003eFish requiring soft, acidic water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2445\" data-start=\"2427\" data-section-id=\"1111ip3\"\u003eStocking Ratio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2464\" data-start=\"2447\"\u003eFor best results:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2554\" data-start=\"2466\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2491\" data-start=\"2466\" data-section-id=\"1lvzrxa\"\u003e1 male with 3–5 females\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2554\" data-start=\"2492\" data-section-id=\"st9h0o\"\u003eMultiple males only in large aquariums with sufficient space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2607\" data-start=\"2556\"\u003eThis helps reduce aggression and stress on females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2619\" data-start=\"2609\" data-section-id=\"1alyfdz\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2689\" data-start=\"2621\"\u003eIn nature, Azure Cichlids feed largely on zooplankton in open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2714\" data-start=\"2691\"\u003eIn the aquarium, offer:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2830\" data-start=\"2716\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2746\" data-start=\"2716\" data-section-id=\"13y4y6p\"\u003eHigh-quality cichlid pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2768\" data-start=\"2747\" data-section-id=\"u16jgi\"\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2783\" data-start=\"2769\" data-section-id=\"1qtcknm\"\u003eFrozen krill\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2798\" data-start=\"2784\" data-section-id=\"1ulft8n\"\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2830\" data-start=\"2799\" data-section-id=\"1sp0ni3\"\u003eOccasional insect-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2876\" data-start=\"2832\"\u003eAvoid excessive fatty foods and overfeeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2913\" data-start=\"2878\"\u003eFeed small amounts 1–2 times daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2926\" data-start=\"2915\" data-section-id=\"d0niwh\"\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2974\" data-start=\"2928\"\u003eAzure cichlids are \u003cstrong data-end=\"2973\" data-start=\"2947\"\u003ematernal mouthbrooders\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3016\" data-start=\"2976\"\u003eThe breeding process typically involves:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-end=\"3238\" data-start=\"3018\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3058\" data-start=\"3018\" data-section-id=\"g2gv3f\"\u003eMale establishes a display territory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3122\" data-start=\"3059\" data-section-id=\"1jjrs4l\"\u003eFemale lays eggs and immediately collects them in her mouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3146\" data-start=\"3123\" data-section-id=\"1anlzcd\"\u003eEggs are fertilised.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3204\" data-start=\"3147\" data-section-id=\"1bmr5js\"\u003eFemale carries eggs and fry for approximately 3 weeks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3238\" data-start=\"3205\" data-section-id=\"1sggk4b\"\u003eFully formed fry are released.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3292\" data-start=\"3240\"\u003eFemales often eat little or nothing during brooding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3312\" data-start=\"3294\" data-section-id=\"2m8240\"\u003eCommon Problems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3331\" data-start=\"3314\" data-section-id=\"85fywv\"\u003eFaded Colours\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3350\" data-start=\"3332\"\u003eUsually caused by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3426\" data-start=\"3351\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3359\" data-start=\"3351\" data-section-id=\"66dvyw\"\u003eStress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3380\" data-start=\"3360\" data-section-id=\"14k9kuq\"\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3408\" data-start=\"3381\" data-section-id=\"ydxz2l\"\u003eSubordinate social status\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3426\" data-start=\"3409\" data-section-id=\"bnynzb\"\u003eInadequate diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3444\" data-start=\"3428\" data-section-id=\"1kgpne5\"\u003eMalawi Bloat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3490\" data-start=\"3445\"\u003eA serious digestive disorder often linked to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3538\" data-start=\"3491\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3511\" data-start=\"3491\" data-section-id=\"14k9kuq\"\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3520\" data-start=\"3512\" data-section-id=\"66dvyw\"\u003eStress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3538\" data-start=\"3521\" data-section-id=\"wewe3i\"\u003eUnsuitable diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3592\" data-start=\"3540\"\u003ePrevention through excellent husbandry is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3641\" data-start=\"3594\" data-section-id=\"cfm0xz\"\u003eIs the Azure Cichlid Suitable for Beginners?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3725\" data-start=\"3643\"\u003eYes, provided you already understand the basics of African cichlid care. They are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3834\" data-start=\"3727\"\u003e✔ Hardy\u003cbr data-end=\"3737\" data-start=\"3734\"\u003e✔ Attractive\u003cbr data-end=\"3752\" data-start=\"3749\"\u003e✔ Less aggressive than many Malawi species\u003cbr data-end=\"3797\" data-start=\"3794\"\u003e✔ Relatively straightforward to breed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3864\" data-start=\"3836\"\u003eHowever, they still require:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3937\" data-start=\"3865\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3883\" data-start=\"3865\" data-section-id=\"1ehkrub\"\u003eA large aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3906\" data-start=\"3884\" data-section-id=\"mhylmv\"\u003eHard, alkaline water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3937\" data-start=\"3907\" data-section-id=\"1d9mufy\"\u003eCareful choice of tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"4080\" data-start=\"3939\"\u003eFor aquarists wanting a colourful Malawi display without the intensity of some mbuna species, \u003cem data-end=\"4056\" data-start=\"4033\"\u003eCopadichromis azureus\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freshwater Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48584470167722,"sku":"TF472","price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0325\/1250\/7948\/files\/imageiscoming_72fdf85d-b111-4877-8c9a-20f427600606.jpg?v=1782343896","url":"https:\/\/www.thetechden.com.au\/products\/azure-cichlid-copadichromis-azureus-no-online-purchases","provider":"The Tech Den ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}