Native Region:

• Found exclusively in Lake Malawi, East Africa.

Natural Habitat:

• Inhabits open waters and intermediate zones between rocky and sandy areas.

• Typically found at moderate to deep depths, often in schools.

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity with proper care.

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic blue head and body, accented with a bold yellow stripe running along the midline from gill to tail.

• Females: Duller silver with faint stripe, more streamlined and less colorful.

Body Shape:

• Long, torpedo-shaped body built for fast, efficient swimming.

• Prominent mouth adapted for ambush predation.

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive, especially towards similarly sized or shaped fish.

• Predatory and territorial—best housed with similarly sized and tempered tank mates.

Social Behavior:

• Dominant males will establish large territories.

• Can be kept in a single-specimen display, a breeding group, or large Hap setups.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for an individual or breeding group.

• Larger tanks recommended if kept with other large cichlids.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Decor: Large rocks, open swimming areas, caves for shelter

• Filtration: Strong filtration and weekly water changes required due to size and diet

Carnivorous / Piscivore:

• In the wild, it feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans.

Best Foods in Captivity:

• High-protein pellets for predators

• Frozen or fresh seafood: Shrimp, krill, silversides

• Occasional treats: Earthworms, live fish (quarantined)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily, in amounts they consume quickly.

Reproductive Behavior:

• Maternal mouthbrooders—females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for ~3 weeks.

• Males create a spawning site on a flat rock or in a pit to court females.

Fry Care:

• Separate fry once released to avoid predation.

• Feed fry with baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food.

Best Tank Mates:

• Other large, robust Haps and predators like Aristochromis christyi, Champsochromis caeruleus, or Fossorochromis rostratus.

• Large Synodontis catfish or Plecos can work as bottom-dwellers.

Avoid:

• Small, peaceful fish—will be eaten.

• Overly aggressive Mbuna—may provoke fights.

Native Region:

• Found exclusively in Lake Malawi, East Africa.

Natural Habitat:

• Inhabits open waters and intermediate zones between rocky and sandy areas.

• Typically found at moderate to deep depths, often in schools.

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity with proper care.

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic blue head and body, accented with a bold yellow stripe running along the midline from gill to tail.

• Females: Duller silver with faint stripe, more streamlined and less colorful.

Body Shape:

• Long, torpedo-shaped body built for fast, efficient swimming.

• Prominent mouth adapted for ambush predation.

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive, especially towards similarly sized or shaped fish.

• Predatory and territorial—best housed with similarly sized and tempered tank mates.

Social Behavior:

• Dominant males will establish large territories.

• Can be kept in a single-specimen display, a breeding group, or large Hap setups.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for an individual or breeding group.

• Larger tanks recommended if kept with other large cichlids.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Decor: Large rocks, open swimming areas, caves for shelter

• Filtration: Strong filtration and weekly water changes required due to size and diet

Carnivorous / Piscivore:

• In the wild, it feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans.

Best Foods in Captivity:

• High-protein pellets for predators

• Frozen or fresh seafood: Shrimp, krill, silversides

• Occasional treats: Earthworms, live fish (quarantined)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily, in amounts they consume quickly.

Reproductive Behavior:

• Maternal mouthbrooders—females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for ~3 weeks.

• Males create a spawning site on a flat rock or in a pit to court females.

Fry Care:

• Separate fry once released to avoid predation.

• Feed fry with baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food.

Best Tank Mates:

• Other large, robust Haps and predators like Aristochromis christyi, Champsochromis caeruleus, or Fossorochromis rostratus.

• Large Synodontis catfish or Plecos can work as bottom-dwellers.

Avoid:

• Small, peaceful fish—will be eaten.

• Overly aggressive Mbuna—may provoke fights.