Azure hap - Sciaenochromis fryeri

Scientific name: Sciaenochromis fryeri

Common name: Azure hap

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 13 cm (3.94 - 5.12 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 24°N (178.57 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°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: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Use a quality flake or cichlid pellets for the staple diet. Vary this with treats of mysis, krill or brine shrimp. Always take care not to overfeed as these fish are prone to Malawi bloat.

Origin

Africa; Azure haps are endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

Males will be slightly larger than the females and display a bright blue colouration. Females are duller with a brownish or silver body colouration.

Breeding

The males will dig a pit into the substrate near some rocks and the female will then deposit one egg at a time onto the actual rock. The male will flick each egg in turn with his tail at the same time fertilising them. Once fertilised, the females will scoop the eggs into her mouth and incubate them for 21-28 days. When the fry have been released they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Azure hap is 10 years.

Short description

Add plenty of rock work to the tank to create caves and hiding places. It is best to keep one male with several females, be careful which other species are added to the tank as they will try to cross breed resulting in hybrid fish.This species may be aggressive towards other Cichlids, however not against all. Provide them with enough swimming space.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Also thanks to Tamri Shavi.