A CARES-listed crater lake cichlid, Coptodon bakossiorum stands out as a rare and striking species from the highlands of Cameroon. Despite its beauty and fascinating behavior, it remains little seen in the hobby, known mainly to advanced keepers and cichlid enthusiasts with an interest in West African fauna.
Coptodon bakossiorum is endemic to the volcanic crater lakes of western Cameroon, particularly Lake Bermin — a small but ecologically extraordinary lake known for its incredible diversity of Coptodon species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. These lakes are clear, deep, and slightly alkaline, with rocky shorelines and submerged vegetation providing ideal habitat for substrate-spawning cichlids. This species, like many of its relatives, has evolved in near isolation, adapting to a specific ecological niche within its home lake. Its limited distribution and the fragility of its habitat make it a species of both scientific and conservation interest.
Adult Coptodon bakossiorum are medium-sized cichlids, typically reaching 2–3 inches in length. Their body shape is robust and laterally compressed, with a distinctive high-backed profile. Coloration can vary with mood and breeding condition, but males in particular display a striking metallic sheen with rich red tones on the flanks and gill plates, contrasting with dark vertical barring and a black facial mask. Females are smaller but equally attractive, often showing more subtle but still vibrant coloration when guarding fry.
Behaviorally, they are intelligent, social, and exhibit complex pair bonding and parental care. In the wild, they form territories along rocky margins, where pairs defend spawning sites and young. In captivity, they display a blend of assertiveness and attentiveness that is typical of the genus.
Coptodon bakossiorum – A side profile where you can see the distinctive lips and red coloration in the fins and body.
Keeping Coptodon bakossiorum successfully requires a setup that mirrors their natural environment. A tank of at least 40 gallons is recommended for a bonded pair, with larger aquaria allowing for additional individuals or compatible tank mates. However, I have bred them in 20-gallon highs and 40-breeders. Provide a mix of rockwork, caves, and open sand for foraging and spawning. Water quality is key — clean, well-oxygenated water with a temperature between 76–82°F, pH around 7.5–8.2, and moderate hardness will suit them well.
Coptodon bakossiorum are omnivorous with a preference for small invertebrates, algae, and detritus in the wild. In the aquarium, they readily accept high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms and daphnia, and spirulina-based flakes or wafers to support coloration and health.
Like most Coptodon, bakossiorum are open substrate spawners with strong biparental care. A bonded pair will clean and prepare a flat rock, piece of slate, or a smooth area of substrate before spawning. The female typically lays up to 30 eggs, which are then guarded and fanned by both parents. At this stage, territorial defense becomes intense. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days depending on temperature, and the fry become free-swimming after another week. Parental care is excellent — both adults shepherd the fry, leading them to feeding areas and guarding them from potential threats. The fry accept finely powdered fry foods, crushed flakes, or freshly hatched brine shrimp, and can begin to show color within only a few months. Observing the coordinated care of a Coptodon pair and their offspring is one of the great joys of keeping this species.
Coptodon bakossiorum is a recognized CARES Preservation Program species, listed due to its highly restricted range and the ongoing environmental threats facing Lake Bermin. Pollution, siltation from agriculture, and the potential introduction of non-native fish pose serious risks to the entire lake’s unique cichlid fauna. In fact, nearly all of Lake Bermin’s Coptodon species are considered critically endangered or possibly extinct in the wild. By maintaining and breeding C. bakossiorum in captivity, aquarists play a direct role in its preservation.
I submitted 6 sub-adults back in October 2023 for BAP points, and another 6 sub-adults in the auction as well. I actually got my original trio from an NJAS auction a year or so before that — highlighting the importance of not only the CARES program but fish club breeding in general.
Coptodon bakossiorum is an exceptional example of the diversity and beauty found within Africa’s crater lakes. Though still uncommon in the hobby, it offers aquarists the opportunity to work with a rare species that combines striking appearance, fascinating behavior, and meaningful conservation value. For those willing to provide the space and attention it deserves, C. bakossiorum rewards its keeper with one of the most engaging displays of cichlid intelligence and family care found in freshwater aquaria.
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