Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis ahli)
| Electric Blue Hap Sciaenochromis ahli | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Electric Blue Hap |
| Name Lat. | Sciaenochromis ahli |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Malawi |
| Habitat | Intermediate zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-8.8 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12-17 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 10-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 450 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4.7"-6.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 178-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Ahls Malawi cichlids is exclusively (endemic) Lake Malawi. They are distributed seaward and live on the rocky coasts in the transition zone of sand and rock, with numerous caves and crevices and sandy bottoms.
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rock structures reaching the water surface, with caves and crevices (hiding places) as well as free sand areas and plenty of swimming space. A light-colored, deep substrate of sand or fine gravel is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They are ambush hunters that feed on small fish and invertebrates. According to their size, the food offer consists of insect larvae, worms, shrimps and fish, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with commercially available frozen special food mixtures for cichlids. High-quality dry food for cichlids (granules, pellets) is also well accepted
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten in a few minutes.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. The males are territorial at spawning time, so keeping multiple harems is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They are assertive hunters, but can be socialized well with other large cichlids. Fish that are too small are considered food
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The animals differ clearly in coloration (sexual dichromatism). The males are brown-purple striped with greenish tinge, the females are silvery colored. During the breeding season the male shows a bright blue. Juveniles are hardly distinguishable.
Reproduction and breeding
They are maternal mouth breeders. The male builds a shallow pit, usually on a large rock or stone, into which the female spawns up to 100 eggs. After fertilization by the male, the female immediately takes the eggs into the throat pouch for mouthbrooding and retains the fry therein even after hatching. After about 3 weeks, the fry are released and brood care ends. During the entire mouthbrood care the female does not take any food
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
The Ahls Malawi Cichlid (Sciaenochromis ahli) is often confused with the Azur Cichlid (Sciaenochromis fryeri). The males of the Azur Cichlids have a bright blue coloration even outside the breeding season.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF