Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Copadichromis cyaneus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sediment-free rocks in clear water.
Description
The blue utaka is an 'utaka' cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm; courting males are bright metallic blue, while females and juveniles are silver-grey. It occurs only over sediment-free rocks in clear water. It hunts zooplankton in the open water above the reef, plucking it from the water column. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Bright metallic blue courting male; open-water plankton eater and maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sediment-free rocks in clear water.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Happy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Happy edible?
The Happy is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Copadichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Happy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Happy is one of 12,519 species in the app.