Buy Aulonocara and Malawi at Vegas Valley Cichlids

$59.99

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

TALK TO A PERSON
SUPPORT 24/7

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

TALK TO A PERSON
SUPPORT 24/7

Availability: 5 In Stock

Z-Rock Cichlid (Otopharynx lithobates)

The Z-Rock Cichlid, also known as the Sulfur-Head Hap or Otopharynx lithobates, is a striking African cichlid from Lake Malawi. It is famous for its deep blue body and bright yellow head stripe, making it a standout species in any Malawi cichlid tank.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Specifically inhabits rocky reef areas at depths of 10-25 meters.
  • Natural Behavior:

    • Prefers rocky caves and ledges, where it ambushes prey.
    • A peaceful Haplochromis species that avoids open water competition.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 6 inches (15 cm).
    • Females: Around 4.5 inches (11 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Males:
      • Deep metallic blue body with a bright yellow “sulfur” stripe running across the head and dorsal fin.
      • Some may develop blue and gold variations depending on region and diet.
    • Females:
      • Silvery-gray with faint markings, lacking the bright male colors.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 8-10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Semi-aggressive, but less territorial than Mbuna cichlids.
    • Males are territorial during breeding, but otherwise relatively peaceful.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in a harem setup (one male with multiple females).
    • Can be housed with other Haps, Peacocks, and Synodontis catfish.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 55 gallons for a single male with females.
    • 75+ gallons for a mixed Malawi cichlid setup.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel for natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming areas to mimic their Lake Malawi habitat.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Carnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and crustaceans.
    • In captivity, they require a high-protein diet to maintain color and health.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Occasional vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males create small territories in caves or overhangs for spawning.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks or caves to encourage breeding.
    • Separate fry after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species).
    • Other Haps (Protomelas, Copadichromis, or Placidochromis species).
    • Synodontis catfish for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Mbuna cichlids (too aggressive).
    • Highly aggressive Haps (like Nimbochromis species).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

Z-Rock Cichlid (Otopharynx lithobates)

The Z-Rock Cichlid, also known as the Sulfur-Head Hap or Otopharynx lithobates, is a striking African cichlid from Lake Malawi. It is famous for its deep blue body and bright yellow head stripe, making it a standout species in any Malawi cichlid tank.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Specifically inhabits rocky reef areas at depths of 10-25 meters.
  • Natural Behavior:

    • Prefers rocky caves and ledges, where it ambushes prey.
    • A peaceful Haplochromis species that avoids open water competition.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 6 inches (15 cm).
    • Females: Around 4.5 inches (11 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Males:
      • Deep metallic blue body with a bright yellow “sulfur” stripe running across the head and dorsal fin.
      • Some may develop blue and gold variations depending on region and diet.
    • Females:
      • Silvery-gray with faint markings, lacking the bright male colors.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 8-10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Semi-aggressive, but less territorial than Mbuna cichlids.
    • Males are territorial during breeding, but otherwise relatively peaceful.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in a harem setup (one male with multiple females).
    • Can be housed with other Haps, Peacocks, and Synodontis catfish.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 55 gallons for a single male with females.
    • 75+ gallons for a mixed Malawi cichlid setup.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel for natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming areas to mimic their Lake Malawi habitat.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Carnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and crustaceans.
    • In captivity, they require a high-protein diet to maintain color and health.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Occasional vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males create small territories in caves or overhangs for spawning.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks or caves to encourage breeding.
    • Separate fry after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species).
    • Other Haps (Protomelas, Copadichromis, or Placidochromis species).
    • Synodontis catfish for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Mbuna cichlids (too aggressive).
    • Highly aggressive Haps (like Nimbochromis species).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water.  This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:

Ship Date:

Arrival Date: UPS Overnight

Arrival Date: Southwest

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

Monday

Tuesday

Saturday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Sunday

Saturday

Monday

Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wed

Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note:  If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
     For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.          

    Southwest:
    
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
    we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water.  This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:

Ship Date:

Arrival Date: UPS Overnight

Arrival Date: Southwest

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

Monday

Tuesday

Saturday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Sunday

Saturday

Monday

Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wed

Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note:  If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
     For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.          

    Southwest:
    
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
    we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.

VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.

    25% DOA
    We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish. 

   50% DOA
  
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

   75% DOA
   We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
   You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.

 

Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.

VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.

    25% DOA
    We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish. 

   50% DOA
  
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

   75% DOA
   We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
   You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.

 

Z-Rock Z-Rock

Just added to your wishlist:
noimage
My Wishlist
You've just added this product to the cart:
noimage
Go to cart page