Lake Malawi utaka
📖 Overview
Lake Malawi utaka (Copadichromis virginalis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 13.2 cm. With a trophic level of 3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lake Malawi utaka is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Annual breeding season is brief. Females brood young or show development of the buccal brood pouch.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical; 9°S - 12°S north end of Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lake Malawi utaka is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 485 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lake Malawi utaka has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Lake Malawi Utaka · Pure Utaka |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | punaharjautaka |
| 🌍TON | Chakhuta |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyrtocara virginalis | Iles | 1960 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis virginalis | Iles | 1960 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Lake Malawi utaka.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 28 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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