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Freshwater fishZulu Cichlid
Zulu Cichlid
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The zulu haplochromis of Lake Malawi in Africa features a bright blue head and a red and purple body with black vertical stripes. These fish are not as common in the trade but go well with peacock and mbuna cichlids. Zulu cichlids grow to nearly seven inches and do fine with good-quality cichlid pellets.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Haplochromis "boadzulu" |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (males territorial) |
| Adult Size | Up to 7" |
| 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 take a year or more to show full adult color, and color best when females are present.
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