Haplochromis

Haplochromis and the related haps are open-water cichlids from the African rift lakes, best known from Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria. Compared with mbuna they are less tied to rockwork and more inclined to cruise the middle of the tank.

Tank conditions

They want hard, alkaline water, generous filtration and a tank long enough for the adult size of the species chosen, as many grow larger than they look at store size. Sand, open swimming room and a few rock piles work well.

Males colour up strongly and can be pushy, so these belong in a dedicated rift lake tank rather than a mixed community.

Availability moves as new fish arrive; the list here is what we have now. Livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store.

Related: Peacocks and Mbuna.

Helpful reading