Native Region:

• Lake Malawi, East Africa.

• Found in shallow, vegetated regions near shorelines and sandy areas.

Natural Environment:

• Prefers areas with aquatic vegetation, where it can ambush smaller fish.

• Known for its speed and stealth, it is a piscivore (fish-eater) in the wild.

Size:

• Males grow up to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).

• Females are smaller, typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic green-blue sheen, with elongated body and flowing fins.

• Females: Silver-gray with subtle markings.

• Color intensity increases during breeding and dominance displays.

Body Shape:

• Streamlined and torpedo-like, built for speed.

• Slightly upturned mouth, adapted for surface strikes on smaller prey.

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding or feeding.

• Predatory behavior means smaller fish will be seen as food.

Social Behavior:

• Best kept alone or with other large, aggressive cichlids.

• Males are particularly territorial and will claim a section of the tank.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for a single adult.

• Larger tanks recommended for multiple large cichlids.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.5–8.5

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Open swimming areas are essential due to their speed and size.

• Add rocks, ledges, and tall plants to mimic their natural environment.

• Avoid cluttering the tank with excessive décor that could restrict movement.

Carnivorous / Piscivore:

• In the wild, feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates.

• In captivity:

  • High-protein cichlid pellets

  • Frozen or live foods: Krill, shrimp, fish fillets, bloodworms

  • Occasional treats of live feeder fish (if safe and quarantined)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice a day, avoid overfeeding high-fat foods.

Spawning Behavior:

• Males display bright coloration and dig shallow pits to attract females.

• After spawning, females mouthbrood the eggs for about 3 weeks.

• Fry are free-swimming shortly after release and should be separated to avoid predation.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Other large, aggressive Haps or predator cichlids:

  • Aristochromis christyi, Fossorochromis rostratus, Tyrannochromis spp.

• Large Synodontis catfish or Plecos (robust bottom dwellers)

Avoid:

• Small fish like Peacocks, Mbuna, or Tetras – will be hunted

• Docile or slow-moving fish – likely to be stressed or attacked

Native Region:

• Lake Malawi, East Africa.

• Found in shallow, vegetated regions near shorelines and sandy areas.

Natural Environment:

• Prefers areas with aquatic vegetation, where it can ambush smaller fish.

• Known for its speed and stealth, it is a piscivore (fish-eater) in the wild.

Size:

• Males grow up to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).

• Females are smaller, typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic green-blue sheen, with elongated body and flowing fins.

• Females: Silver-gray with subtle markings.

• Color intensity increases during breeding and dominance displays.

Body Shape:

• Streamlined and torpedo-like, built for speed.

• Slightly upturned mouth, adapted for surface strikes on smaller prey.

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding or feeding.

• Predatory behavior means smaller fish will be seen as food.

Social Behavior:

• Best kept alone or with other large, aggressive cichlids.

• Males are particularly territorial and will claim a section of the tank.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for a single adult.

• Larger tanks recommended for multiple large cichlids.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.5–8.5

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Open swimming areas are essential due to their speed and size.

• Add rocks, ledges, and tall plants to mimic their natural environment.

• Avoid cluttering the tank with excessive décor that could restrict movement.

Carnivorous / Piscivore:

• In the wild, feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates.

• In captivity:

  • High-protein cichlid pellets

  • Frozen or live foods: Krill, shrimp, fish fillets, bloodworms

  • Occasional treats of live feeder fish (if safe and quarantined)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice a day, avoid overfeeding high-fat foods.

Spawning Behavior:

• Males display bright coloration and dig shallow pits to attract females.

• After spawning, females mouthbrood the eggs for about 3 weeks.

• Fry are free-swimming shortly after release and should be separated to avoid predation.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Other large, aggressive Haps or predator cichlids:

  • Aristochromis christyi, Fossorochromis rostratus, Tyrannochromis spp.

• Large Synodontis catfish or Plecos (robust bottom dwellers)

Avoid:

• Small fish like Peacocks, Mbuna, or Tetras – will be hunted

• Docile or slow-moving fish – likely to be stressed or attacked