Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Sciaenochromis fryeri
Haplochromis ahli
Haplochromis electric blue
Common name
Electric Blue Hap
Origin
Origin: Africa (Lake Malawi)
Biotope: African
Dimorphism
The female is gray and the male has beautiful blue colour. The female is also smaller than the male
Group
Cichlidae
Volume
250 L / 55 imp gal / 65 US gal
Parameters
T°: 24 à 26°C or 75 to 79°F
pH: 8 to 8.5
Hardness: 5 to 10°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
Female: 12cm (5") - Male: 15cm (6")
Longevity
/
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
3 (harem of 1 male for 2 females)
Food
How to feed the Electric Blue Hap?
Food
How to feed the Electric Blue Hap?
The Sciaenochromis fryeri is a carnivorous fish, and more specifically piscivorous: in its natural environment, it eats mostly small fish.
In the aquarium, feed it with commercially available, but high quality, conventional foods. For a better health and a good morale, vary the meals as much as possible with live or frozen prey.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Electric Blue Hap have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Electric Blue Hap have?
This fish is territorial but remains peaceful compared to many Cichlids. But note that it becomes quite aggressive during the breeding season.
The dominant male is very colorful, with a beautiful deep blue color. The other males (those who are thus dominated), are duller: the blue is less bright and less brilliant.
They are excellent swimmers and thus need space to work out.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Electric Blue Hap?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Electric Blue Hap?
For a 250 liter or 55 Imp Gal or 66 US Gal aquarium, make up your group with a male for two females.
Be careful with the cohabitation between males of this species which can be delicate. Indeed, the males Sciaenochromis fryeri do not appreciate the presence of their rivals on their territory. It will be necessary to provide for this kind of association a large aquarium of at least 500 liters or 110 Imp Gal or 132 US Gal. Your group can then have 2 males for 4 females.
Cohabitation with other species of the same biotope (Lake Malawi) is possible as long as they are calm and non-territorial.
Breeding
How to breed the Electric Blue Hap?
Breeding
How to breed the Electric Blue Hap?
Before breeding, you will observe something interesting: the male digs a hole and furrows in the sand to mate. It then attracts the chosen female with his most beautiful colors.
The eggs are deposited directly on the sand. The laying can be up to 60 eggs (variable depending on the size and maturity of the female). After spawning, the female reunites the eggs in its mouth and will keep them between 20 and 25 days. Note that the higher the temperature of your aquarium, the shorter the incubation time.
After the release of the fry, both parents protect them until free swimming.
Fry food: Artemia nauplii.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Electric Blue Hap?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Electric Blue Hap?
In its natural environment, this fish lives near the rocks of Lake Malawi. The soil is made of sand.
In captivity, it is necessary to recreate a similar decoration for the good maintenance of this species. The presence of many rocks forming caves is therefore very important. Sand soil is also an important element (it will be used especially for breeding). To stabilize your decor, first install the rocks, then put the sand afterwards. Finally, if you have several males, it is essential to create a clear demarcation of the territories with the rocks. They will thus be cut visually from one another, which improves the chances of success of such a cohabitation.
Regarding the water parameters, the main thing for Sciaenochromis fryeri is to be in hard water. Be careful, some aquarists have observed that it tends to be particularly sensitive to nitrates and diseases. For proper maintenance, make water changes regularly (every week would be ideal).
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Not to be confused with the Sciaenochromis ahli which is much rarer. The latter is less colorful and has a less elongated body.
This fish has a very dynamic and tapered physique: it is elongated like the shape of a missile or torpedo, with a rather large mouth. You can easily imagine the natural predator it must be!
Yours photos!
Comments
Sort by:
Please login to post comments
