Copadichromis nkatae
Overview
Copadichromis nkatae is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi. This species can be found over both rocky and sandy areas where it feeds on zooplankton, as well as phytoplankton. There have been no verified records of this species since it was described in 1960.
It is exploited as a food fish and artisanal fishing using beach seines which are still widely used in the Nkhata Bay area, the only locality for this species, and these activities are the most serious threat to this species, if it is still extant.
Copadichromis nkatae faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices in Lake Malawi. The species is particularly vulnerable to intensive trawling operations and the use of fine-mesh nets that capture juveniles before they can reproduce. Habitat degradation from sedimentation caused by deforestation in the lake's catchment area has further reduced suitable breeding and feeding grounds.
Habitat
This endemic cichlid inhabits the deeper rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi, typically found at depths between 10-40 meters. The species prefers areas with mixed substrate of rocks and sand where it feeds on invertebrates and small fish.
