Sciaenochromis fryeri (Electric Blue Hap)

Cichlidae

Cape Maclear, Malawi

20 cm TL males; 15 cm TL females (aquarium sizes, considerably smaller in nature).

Basal head profile straight and almost horizontal. Colouration: melanin pattern of 9-12 vertical bars; dark colouration. Some preserved males have a bright blaze on the dorsal head surface and a whitish dorsal fin; the vertical-bar pattern on the flanks is only vaguely visible or absent. Males are bright blue, females beige. (1)

Clear sexual dimorphism. Males are shinning blue in colour and larger, females are beige with vertical bars and considerably smaller.

Endemic species of the Lake Malawi.

7.8 - 8.2

25^oC - 28^oC

The fish prefers hard water. Use "Malawi salt" ready commercial products or prepare your own mix. Will do well in plain water provided the GH is 7 or higher.

In nature it feeds on insect larva and small crustaceans; in the aquarium it will eat anything offered. Like all Malawi cichlids it is prone to develop Malawi bload so it is advisable to avoid vegetable matter in its diet. A combination of carnivore pellets, graze flakes, red mosquito larva, artemia and dried gammarus is a good diet for this fish.

Other large Malawi cichlids, mbuna. Not compatible with Aulonocara species.

Labidochromis caeruleus (yellow), aggressive mbuna like members of the Melanochromis genus (especially M. chipokae, M. auratus).

Make hiding holes with large stones. The fish prefers sand substrate and plenty of swimming space.

150 cm / 500 lit for a colony of 1 male / 3 females. Appropriate tankmates can share.

Mildly to overly aggressive depending on tankmates. Appropriate stocking (including choice of tankmates and space availability) will ensure a peaceful tank.

One of the most stunning fish in the hobby. Very few fish can compare to a large adult S. fryeri male.

Maternal mouthbrooder. The fish will produce 50-70 fry each spawn. The incubation time is approximately 3 weeks depending on water temperature. The mother should be removed while carrying in order to get some time to recover. Males will readily hybridize with Aulonocara females which look a lot like the S. fryeri ones. This fish is easy to breed. Keep two females per male as a minimum (a higher female per male ratio is even better).