fish · Cichlidae
Electric blue hap
Sciaenochromis fryeri
Wild range: Endemic to Lake Malawi (Malawi / Mozambique / Tanzania shoreline) — rocky coasts and intermediate sand–rock zones at ~10–40 m; widespread but not especially abundant (Maleri, Likoma, Mbenji, Taiwan Reef, Chinyankwazi, Chinyamwezi, and many other sites) (Africa)
At a glance: Electric blue hap care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Electric blue hap?
The compiled profile lists 24.0–28.0 °C for Electric blue hap (Sciaenochromis fryeri). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Electric blue hap?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 75.0 US gallons (284.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Electric blue hap?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 7.6–8.8. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Rocky shoreline and intermediate sand–rock zones of Lake Malawi at roughly 10–40 m depth; piscivorous predator of small fishes and fry among rock mounds (Seriously Fish, FishBase, Konings 1993).
Where they are found
Catalog primary name Sciaenochromis fryeri Konings, 1993 per inventory/trade lock, ITIS TSN 649560, FishBase, and Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes (spid 67414; type Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi; holotype MRAC 92.146.P.4). Valid related species Sciaenochromis ahli (Trewavas, 1935) is a lighter-blue, uncommon Lake Malawi congener — historically the trade mislabeled fryeri as “electric blue ahli,” and older literature often used S. ahli / Haplochromis ahli / Cyrtocara ahli for what is now fryeri; true S. ahli is rarely offered. “Electric blue johanni” is another trade misnomer; Pseudotropheus / Melanochromis johannii is a different mbuna — do not conflate. Locality morphs (e.g. Maleri, Likoma, Iceberg) differ in fin accents and dorsal stripe and should not be mixed (hybridize). Wild max length ~11.5 cm SL (FishBase/Konings); aquarium adults commonly 12–20 cm TL (males larger). IUCN Least Concern (2018).
Aquarium care
Medium–large Lake Malawi hap famous for the intense metallic blue of dominant males. Plan at least a 75 US gallon (~284 L) tank with a long footprint (TFH minimum ~4×1.5 ft; Seriously Fish ~80 US gal / 60×18″ base; many keepers prefer 90–125 gal). Use sand, piled rockwork forming cave networks, and open midwater swimming lanes. Hard alkaline water: about 24–28°C, pH 7.6–8.8, GH roughly 10–25 (Seriously Fish, TFH, tropical-fish-keeping). Strong filtration and large regular water changes — this species wants very clean water (AquaInfo, TFH). Keep one male with at least three to four females to spread harassment; multiple males need a very large multi-territory tank. Do not mix geographic morphs. Intermediate difficulty for a Malawi hap community — not a soft-water or nano fish.
Feeding
Dedicated piscivore in the wild (small fishes and fry, including Copadichromis young). In aquaria accept quality cichlid pellets/flakes plus frozen/live invertebrates (mysis, brine shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp/mussel) and occasional fish pieces (Seriously Fish, TFH, AquaInfo). Vegetable matter is not required. Do not feed mammalian meat / tubifex. Avoid tankmates small enough to swallow.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive Malawi hap — robust but not a mbuna brawler. Best with similarly sized non-mbuna Malawi haps (e.g. Nimbochromis venustus, Cyrtocara moorii, Protomelas, Copadichromis) and Synodontis/loricariids that tolerate high pH (Seriously Fish, TFH). Aulonocara possible with space but males may hybridize with peacock females — avoid similarly colored fish. Piscivore: do not keep with small fish. Not a peaceful community or nano species. One male per tank unless very large.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder; not difficult in a harem of one male with ≥3–4 females (Seriously Fish, TFH, tropical-fish-keeping). Target spawn conditions ~25–26.5°C and pH ~8.2–8.5. Males display (“dance”) on sloping rocks facing flow or shallow sand pits; eggs roll to the male for fertilization; females hold ~30–70 eggs ~3 weeks without feeding. Fry take baby brine, microworms, daphnia, or powdered foods from release. Stressed females may spit or eat the brood — breeders sometimes move holding females carefully or strip at ~2 weeks (expert only).
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.