Melanochromis chipokae is a species of cichlid in the Cichlidae endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only known to occur at Chipoka. It lives in habitats characterized by patches of sand amongst rock. This piscivorous species can reach a length of 12cm (05inches) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade, which is the main threat to this species and which has caused a 90% decline in the population. This has led to the IUCN assessing this species as Critically Endangered.