Electric blue hap - Sciaenochromis ahli

Scientific name: Sciaenochromis ahli

Common name: Electric blue hap

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 17 - 20 cm (6.69 - 7.87 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 9 - 19°N (160.71 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and Feeding

Electric Blue Haps are carnivorous but should not be fed too many live foods as they are prone to bloat. Offer a high-quality flake, spirulina flake, and pellets as a staple diet. Occasionally supplement with protein sources such as frozen shrimp, bloodworms, or cichlid sticks. Avoid live worms or excessive high-protein foods as these can cause digestive issues.

Origin

Electric Blue Haps are native to Lake Malawi, Africa. They inhabit rocky reefs in the deeper waters of the lake, unlike Mbuna cichlids, which prefer shallower, rock-heavy environments.

Sexing

Mature males develop an intense electric blue coloration, whereas females remain a muted gray or silver shade. Males also tend to grow slightly larger and exhibit more territorial behavior.

Breeding

• Mouthbrooding Species: The female collects fertilized eggs in her mouth and incubates them for about 2 weeks.
• Hiding Behavior: During this period, she may stop eating and retreat to a sheltered area.
• Fry Release: Once released, fry are free-swimming and can be fed on finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.

Lifespan

With proper care, the Electric Blue Hap can live up to 11 years.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (~66 gallons) for a single male and a few females.
• Water Parameters: Maintain a pH of 7.5 - 8.5 and hardness between 9 - 19°N.
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is necessary to keep water clean.
• Substrate: Use sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural environment.
• Rock Structures: Provide some caves and rocks for territories but leave plenty of open swimming space.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Electric Blue Haps are aggressive, especially males. They should be kept with similar-sized African cichlids. Ideal tankmates include:

• Other Haps: Species such as Copadichromis and Protomelas.
• Peacock Cichlids: Aulonocara species.
• Non-Mbuna Cichlids: Avoid Mbunas as they can trigger territorial conflicts.

Suitable Plants

Electric Blue Haps may uproot delicate plants. Choose hardy plants such as:

• Anubias (attached to rocks or driftwood).
• Java Fern (resilient and does well in cichlid tanks).
• Vallisneria (thrives in high-pH water and can be anchored securely).

Short Description

The Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis ahli) is a striking cichlid known for its brilliant blue coloration and predatory nature. Unlike Mbunas, it prefers open water and should be housed with similarly sized, non-aggressive cichlids. Males are highly territorial and best kept with multiple females in a harem setup. A well-structured tank with open swimming space is essential to minimize aggression.

Q&A

The following questions were previously answered on aqua-fish.net/answers and have been merged here.

Which fish are compatible with Electric Blue Haps?

Answer: They do best with other non-Mbuna African cichlids such as Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara) and other Haplochromis species. Avoid aggressive Mbunas.

What size are Electric Blue Hap fry?

Answer: Fry are initially very small, about 1-2 mm. As mouthbrooders, the mother protects them until they are ready to fend for themselves.

Picture

Thanks to Marwin!