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Electric Blue Haplo
Sometimes known as the Sciaenochromis ahli, this fish is elongated fish
with a large mouth, much like the shape of a torpedo. The head forms a
60 degree angle from the mouth. Males have a stunning blue color which
is comparable to the hues of saltwater fish. Six faint bars are sometimes
apparent. The fins are the same color as the rest of the body. The females
are usually brown-gray with a few blue-tipped scales around the mid-section. Six bars are sometimes visible. The fins are also brown-gray in
color. I own and raise these fish and the color of the males are awesome.
They grow to lengths of 6.3" (16 cm) for males, and females to 4.3" (11
cm).
They come from rocky and sandy zones of Lake Malawi in Eastern
Africa and prefer the bottom to middle areas of the aquarium. A tank of
75-100 gallons (285-378 L) is recommended. These fish need a large
open swimming area. Use sturdy, rock structures with large passages and
caves. A sand substrate with a scattering of rocks is recommended. The
water parameters should be in the ranges of 7.8-8.5 (8.1), 12-20 dH
(16), and water temperature should be 75-82F (24-28C).
This is a predatory species that will eat small fish but otherwise the
Electric Blue Haplo is a peaceful, but territorial fish. Males are
polygamous, so they should be kept with a number of females. Be
careful when adding to the colony once it is established. Any unwanted
fish will be killed. Tank mates recommended for this species are Lake
Malawi Haplochromines, Synodontis, mbunas, Polypterus,
Afromastacembelus.
They thrive on foods such as crustaceans, small fish, aquatic insects,
insect larvae; tablets; pellets and frozen or live baby brine shrimp.
Males have the deep "electric blue" color for which this species is
named. The females are considerably smaller with a dull gray-brown
body coloration. When not is season the male tends to lighten up and
may turn to a pale blue with the bars being more visable. For breeding
place a male with three or four females in a large tank. Use water with a
pH between 8.0-8.5, a water hardness from 15-18 dH, and a temperature
of 81-84¡F (27-29¡C). The male will attract the female by shaking his
brilliant blue body. The eggs are incubated by the female for a period of
18-22 days. Remove the other fish from the tank. The mother will
continue her care of the fry for another week. The young can be raised
on Artemia and Daphnia. Breeding is difficult as I have found. If the
female is disturbed while holding she will spit the eggs or swallow them.
Another color morph is known; it has an obvious white spot on its head.
Frequent partial water changes are necessary to keep the fish in good
health and to bring out the male's stunning colors. This species is
especially sensitive to water pollutants. The Electric Blue Haplo is a
beautiful, but sensitive fish. Many feel that it is worth the extra care for
its stunning color.
