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Freshwater fishElectric Blue Cichlid
Electric Blue Cichlid
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The electric blue cichlid is one of the most popular pet fish from Lake Malawi. These cichlids have a peaceful disposition towards most other African cichlids. However, since they look similar to Peacock cichlids, the males will fight with the Peacock males for breeding territory. The electric blue cichlid is also called the Hap Blue, and a similar species, the Ahli cichlid, is the same in all respects except that it will grow to eight inches. Both species are called Hap Electric Blues.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sciaenochromis fryeri |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (males territorial) |
| Adult Size | Up to 6" |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 76–82°F |
| pH | 7.8–8.6 |
| Shipping Size | Medium: approx. 2" · Large: approx. 3" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them a sand bottom, open swimming space in front and rockwork along the back. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.
Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Haps do well with peacocks and other haps of similar size, plus robust catfish like synodontis. Keep one male per similar-looking species, with several females, to limit fighting and crossbreeding.
Good to know: Males show the deepest electric blue once they mature and when females are in the tank.
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