Description
The electric blue hap is a species of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi. It prefers to live in caves and crevices in rocky substrates. This species can reach a length of 20 centimetres TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.
| Scientific name: | Sciaenochromis ahli |
| Conservation status: | Least Concern Encyclopedia of Life |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Higher classification: | Sciaenochromis |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Rank: | Species |
In the aquarium
The electric blue hap is a popular aquarium fish due to its colouration. It should be kept in tanks of no less than 300 litres. An aggressive fish, only one male is recommended per tank; however if large numbers are kept in a spacious enough environment, it is possible to keep more than one. Cichlids with a similar colouration are often attacked, so tankmates must be selected carefully. Large numbers prevent a single fish from being the target of aggression. The females are a drab grey in comparison and slightly smaller. They prefer rocky exhibits with coral sand.
Breeding
As with many other cichlids, the electric blue hap is a mouth-brooder. The recommended ratio of males to females is 1:4. The female broods for 2–3 weeks. When the fry are released, they are around 1 cm.