Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Copadichromis nkatae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Nkata utaka is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm; males in breeding dress are blue with a metallic sheen, females silver-grey. As a plankton feeder it schools in open water over rocky and sandy shores and catches small zooplankton. It is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
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. Open-water plankton feeder; mouthbrooding female
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi (endemic)
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Happy is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Happy edible?
The Happy is not usually eaten.
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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.