Sulphurhead hap - Otopharynx lithobates

Scientific name: Otopharynx lithobates

Common name: Sulphurhead hap

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 16 cm (5.91 - 6.3 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.6 - 8.4

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 20°N (142.86 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Sulphurhead hap (Otopharynx lithobates) is a medium-sized Lake Malawi haplochromine famous for the male’s metallic blue body and the yellow “sulphur” blaze along the dorsal fin. It inhabits rocky reefs and adjacent open water, cruising the mid-water above rockwork. Adult size in aquaria is typically 15–16 cm (6–6.3″). Compared with many Malawi haps it’s relatively calm, but males defend a territory—especially when displaying or breeding.

Food & Feeding

Primarily carnivorous/insectivorous. Use high-quality cichlid sticks or pellets (medium size) as the staple; rotate frozen/live offerings such as mysis, krill, chopped prawns, brine shrimp and daphnia. A little spirulina/algae content aids digestion, but avoid mammalian meats or fat-rich foods. Feed modest portions 1–2× daily; keep organics and nitrate low.

Sexing

Males develop strong blue coloration with the signature yellow dorsal border/blaze and may grow slightly larger; females remain more subdued (grey-beige to brownish) with shorter finnage. Juveniles are similar until maturity.

Breeding

O. lithobates is a maternal mouthbrooder. The male courts on a cleared rock or flat surface; after external fertilization the female picks up the eggs and broods them for about 18–28 days, often fasting. After release, feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp, crushed pellets and fine daphnia. If you want maximum survival, strip or isolate the brooding female shortly before release.

Lifespan

Commonly 8–10 years with good water quality, space and a balanced diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Tank size: long footprint of at least 120 cm / 4′ for a single male with a harem; larger (150–180 cm) for mixed communities.
• Water: pH 7.6–8.4; hardness ~8–20 °dH; temperature 24–27 °C (75–81 °F). Stability matters more than the absolute number.
• Filtration & oxygen: strong filtration, high O₂, moderate flow; keep nitrate low with regular, sizeable water changes.
• Aquascape: rock piles and caves to form territories plus open sand/gravel lanes for mid-water cruising. Plants aren’t necessary; if used, choose robust species or secure them well.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful to moderately territorial. Best with other non-mbuna Malawi haps/peacocks of similar size and temperament. Avoid mixing with very aggressive mbuna or with species sporting a similar yellow head/dorsal blaze (to limit interspecific rivalry). Keep one male with several females, or multiple males only in very large, well-structured tanks.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Primarily a mid-water swimmer that patrols above rockwork, darting into caves when startled. Provide open sightlines for display and broken lines-of-sight (rock stacks) to reduce tension.

Short Description

Sulphurhead haps are striking, relatively calm Lake Malawi cichlids. Give them a roomy, alkaline, well-filtered tank with rockwork, feed a varied carnivore-leaning diet, and keep a harem for natural behavior and successful mouthbrooding.

Q&A

• Where does it come from? Lake Malawi, associated with rocky habitats and adjacent open water.
• Can I keep plants? Yes—this species doesn’t typically dig much, but secure plants well and expect some rearranging during displays.
• How long is the mouthbrooding period? Roughly 3–4 weeks, depending on temperature and female condition.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.