Native Region:

• Mdoka region in the northern part of Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Found in intermediate zones between rocky areas and sandy bottoms

• Typically forages along the lakebed for small invertebrates and debris

Size:

• Males: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

• Females: About 5–6 inches (13–15 cm)

Coloration:

• Males: Intense electric blue body with a white face and lips, especially vibrant during breeding

• Females: Gray to silver with subtle hints of blue

Body Shape:

• Deep-bodied and elegant, with rounded fins and a slow, graceful swimming style

Lifespan:

• Up to 10–12 years in optimal conditions

Temperament:

• Peaceful to mildly aggressive—less combative than Mbuna or predator Haps

• Can be territorial when breeding, but otherwise calm

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in harems (1 male to 3–5 females)

• Can be housed in peaceful Hap and Peacock communities

Minimum Tank Size:

• 75 gallons for a small group

• 125+ gallons ideal for mixed cichlid setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand to allow natural foraging

• Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming space

• Lighting: Moderate to bright—accentuates the fish’s metallic coloration

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration with regular water changes

Feeding Type: Omnivorous

Diet in Captivity:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as staple

• Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, krill, mysis shrimp, bloodworms

• Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched zucchini or spinach (occasionally)

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed once or twice daily in controlled portions

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males create small spawning pits and court females with color displays

• Females hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for 2–3 weeks until fry are released

Fry Care:

• Fry can be raised in a separate tank

• Feed with baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes

Compatible With:

• Other peaceful Haps and Peacocks

• Larger Synodontis catfish, Plecos, or bottom dwellers

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna species

• Overly dominant predator Haps

• Small or delicate tankmates

Native Region:

• Mdoka region in the northern part of Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Found in intermediate zones between rocky areas and sandy bottoms

• Typically forages along the lakebed for small invertebrates and debris

Size:

• Males: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

• Females: About 5–6 inches (13–15 cm)

Coloration:

• Males: Intense electric blue body with a white face and lips, especially vibrant during breeding

• Females: Gray to silver with subtle hints of blue

Body Shape:

• Deep-bodied and elegant, with rounded fins and a slow, graceful swimming style

Lifespan:

• Up to 10–12 years in optimal conditions

Temperament:

• Peaceful to mildly aggressive—less combative than Mbuna or predator Haps

• Can be territorial when breeding, but otherwise calm

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in harems (1 male to 3–5 females)

• Can be housed in peaceful Hap and Peacock communities

Minimum Tank Size:

• 75 gallons for a small group

• 125+ gallons ideal for mixed cichlid setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand to allow natural foraging

• Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming space

• Lighting: Moderate to bright—accentuates the fish’s metallic coloration

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration with regular water changes

Feeding Type: Omnivorous

Diet in Captivity:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as staple

• Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, krill, mysis shrimp, bloodworms

• Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched zucchini or spinach (occasionally)

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed once or twice daily in controlled portions

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males create small spawning pits and court females with color displays

• Females hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for 2–3 weeks until fry are released

Fry Care:

• Fry can be raised in a separate tank

• Feed with baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes

Compatible With:

• Other peaceful Haps and Peacocks

• Larger Synodontis catfish, Plecos, or bottom dwellers

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna species

• Overly dominant predator Haps

• Small or delicate tankmates