Sciaenochromis Fryeri – Electric Blue Hap

Common name: Electric Blue Hap

Scientific name: Sciaenochromis Fryeri

Average Adult Fish Size: 15.5cm / 6 Inches

 Place of Origin: Lake Malawi

 Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank with plenty of open swimming space.

 Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 250 Litres

 Compatibility: Combine with other Lake Malawi Hap and Aulonocara species. Can also be housed with less aggressive Mbuna such as Labidochromis Caeruleus.

 Temperature: 23-28 Deg C / 73-82 Deg F

 Water chemistry:  pH 7.6-8.6

 Feeding: Omnivore – Best thrives on specially made African Cichlid pellets or flakes. Although the majority of it’s natural diet is protein based.

Sexing: Males are larger and much more colourful as adults, juvenile fish are difficult to sex.

Breeding: Sciaenochromis Fryeri are maternal mouthbrooders like many of the African Cichlids. The male will entice a mate and as the female lays her eggs he will fertilize them. The process continues till all the eggs are fertilized and the female holds them in her mouth for 3-4 weeks during which time she does not eat.

Additional Information: One of the most attractive and popular of all the African Cichlids. Sciaenochromis Fryeri males develop intense blue colouring with some varieties developing a red anal fin. This species is not to be confused with Sciaenochromis Ahli, which grows to be slightly larger. The Electric Blue hap can be somewhat aggressive so males should be kept to a maximum of 1 per aquarium. For breeding purposes a ratio of 1 male to multiple females should be used in a tank of their own. Temperaments can differ between each male but as a minimum a 4ft 250L aquarium should be considered for best results.

Author: @sinapresents