Utaka

About

A plankton-feeding cichlid from the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi, Mchenga flavimanus belongs to the "Utaka" group. A cluster of pelagic specialists shared between the genera Mchenga and Copadichromis. The genus itself was only formally separated from Copadichromis in 2006, and this species still turns up under the older name in a fair amount of hobbyist literature. In the wild, these fish face into the current with their oversized eyes scanning for drifting zooplankton, catching prey with a rapid jaw extension that creates a brief vacuum to suck food in. In the aquarium it accepts a broader diet without any fuss. It's a shoaling species, and the recommended approach is one male kept with at least three females, which keeps any single female from bearing the full brunt of male attention. Males need enough room to carve out their own loose territories, but genuine aggression is uncommon if the group is balanced. Rowdy species and Mbuna are poor companions, and you should also avoid other Mchenga or Copadichromis due to hybridization risk. Peaceful Haplochromines and most Aulonocara make good tankmates. Breeding is achievable. Females are maternal mouthbrooders carrying eggs for around three weeks. Not the most frequently seen cichlid at your local store, but worth seeking out for a calmer Malawi setup.