A highly aggressive, torpedo-shaped Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for intense sexual dimorphism, this species is extremely territorial. They require a rock-heavy setup to provide caves and break sightlines, along with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (Aufwuchs) and require a low-protein diet to prevent Malawi bloat.
Chipokae Mbuna At a Glance
Chipokae Mbuna Tank Requirements
Will Chipokae Mbuna fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Chipokae Mbuna needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Chipokae Mbuna against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Chipokae Mbuna Water Parameters
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Chipokae Mbuna Temperament & Compatibility
Chipokae Mbuna Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Dominant males exhibit a dark purplish-black body with brilliant light blue horizontal stripes. Extremely aggressive towards other males and similar-looking species. Should be kept strictly as a single male per tank alongside multiple females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Dominant Male, Black and Blue Mbuna
Female / Juvenile
Females and juveniles feature a bright yellow body with distinct black or dark brown horizontal stripes. While less aggressive than males, they are still highly territorial and will enforce a pecking order.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Mbuna, Auratus lookalike
Chipokae Mbuna Care Guide Summary
The Chipokae Mbuna, scientifically known as Melanochromis chipokae, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Chipokae Mbuna requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Chipokae Mbuna is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female / Juvenile. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Chipokae Mbuna Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Chipokae Mbuna, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Chipokae Mbuna Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Chipokae Mbuna is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Chipokae Mbuna Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Chipokae Mbuna.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chipokae Mbuna
How big does Chipokae Mbuna get?
Chipokae Mbuna (Melanochromis chipokae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Chipokae Mbuna need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Chipokae Mbuna. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Chipokae Mbuna need?
Chipokae Mbuna thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Chipokae Mbuna peaceful or aggressive?
Chipokae Mbuna is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Chipokae Mbuna live alone?
Yes, Chipokae Mbuna can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Chipokae Mbuna have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Chipokae Mbuna benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Chipokae Mbuna
These plants pair well with Chipokae Mbuna based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Chipokae Mbuna
Trewavas' Cichlid
Labeotropheus trewavasae
A distinctive, rock-dwelling Mbuna from Lake Malawi easily identified by its fleshy, overhanging snout. They use this specialized mouth to scrape algae (aufwuchs) from rocks while remaining parallel to the surface. Highly active and aggressively territorial, they require a heavily rock-scaped tank, hard alkaline water, and a strict herbivorous diet to prevent 'Malawi bloat'.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Afra Cichlid
Cynotilapia afra
A highly active and aggressive Mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlid) endemic to Lake Malawi. Distinctive for their unicuspid 'dog-like' teeth, they natively feed on zooplankton in the water column but remain tied to rocky territories. They require a hard, alkaline water environment with abundant rockwork for hiding and establishing territories. Best kept in a densely stocked, carefully managed species harem or Mbuna community to disperse extreme aggression.
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Chindongo socolofi
A stunning and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Unusually for Mbuna, both males and females share the same striking powder blue coloration. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require a rock-filled aquarium with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (aufwuchs) in the wild and are prone to fatal 'Malawi bloat' if fed diets high in animal protein.
Elongatus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Elongatus)
Chindongo elongatus
The Elongatus Cichlid is a highly active, slender mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi. Formerly classified as Pseudotropheus elongatus, it is notorious for being one of the most aggressive and territorial of all mbuna. They require a strictly herbivorous diet (grazing on algae/aufwuchs) and a large aquarium heavily decorated with rocks to break sightlines. Due to extreme conspecific aggression, they are best kept in harems (1 male to 4+ females) or in a carefully planned, overstocked mixed-species mbuna tank.