Fin's Fish Guide
The Mloto utaka (Copadichromis mloto) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The mloto utaka is a plankton-feeding cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species belongs to the utaka, cichlids that live in schools in open water and hunt zooplankton. It grows to about 14 cm; breeding males are handsomely blue and stay in breeding colour longer than the females. The protrusible mouth is adapted to snap plankton from the water. Like most Lake Malawi cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mloto utaka?
The Mloto utaka has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Open-water plankton feeder (utaka) with a protrusible mouth; maternal mouthbrooder
Where does the Mloto utaka live?
The Mloto utaka lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Mloto utaka get?
The Mloto utaka grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Mloto utaka dangerous to humans?
No, the Mloto utaka 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 Mloto utaka edible?
Yes, the Mloto utaka is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Mloto utaka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mloto utaka is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Mloto utaka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mloto utaka is one of 12,519 species in the app.