Platinum OB Azureus

Copadichromis azureus

Platinum OB Azureus is a line-bred OB/platinum form of the Lake Malawi Azureus hap. It keeps the active Copadichromis body and display behavior while adding a pale, patterned look that varies from fish to fish.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Line-bred aquarium strain from Lake Malawi Copadichromis azureus stock.
• Natural Habitat: Open and intermediate Lake Malawi areas where haps have room to swim with structure nearby.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 7-8 inches.
• Coloration: Platinum OB expression with variable pale and blotched patterning; this strain is listed as monomorphic in Ron’s current notes.
• Body Shape: Streamlined hap body built for active swimming.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive, with stronger conspecific aggression possible.
• Social Behavior: Best with Lake Malawi peacocks and haps of similar size.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
• Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide sand, open swimming areas, rockwork for cover and sight breaks, and strong filtration.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Notes: Males display and females mouthbrood eggs and fry. Keep this line separate if you want to preserve the platinum OB look.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Lake Malawi peacocks and haps with similar size and temperament.
• Avoid: Very aggressive mbuna, large predators, and crowded tanks.

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.