Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Copadichromis quadrimaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The fourspot hap is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body with a row of dark flank spots; courting males colour up bluish. As an utaka cichlid it lives mainly in open water, where it hunts in schools for zooplankton that it picks from the water column. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Open-water utaka cichlid that hunts plankton in shoals; maternal mouthbrooder.
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; open water.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 20 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.
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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.