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Electric Blue Hap, Sciaenochromis fryeri
Lake Malawi · Species profile

Electric Blue Hap care

Not especially aggressive but robust. Do not keep with mbuna.

  • Up to about 8 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 75 to 82 FTemperature

Food

A varied diet of quality pellets plus frozen foods such as mysis and krill. Vegetable matter is not needed.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Venustus, blue dolphins, Protomelas and Copadichromis haps.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back. Sand, open swimming room and a few rock piles along the back, with hard alkaline water and good filtration. Peacocks sift sand for food, so avoid sharp gravel.

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Care basics

Sciaenochromis fryeri, the electric blue hap or ahli, is a predator in nature. Adult males are a bright, even blue, which makes them one of the best known haps in the hobby.

It does well with other larger haps such as venustus and blue dolphins. Avoid similarly colored fish and keep several females per male.

Quick facts

Scientific nameSciaenochromis fryeri
GroupLake Malawi hap/peacock
Native toLake Malawi
Adult sizeUp to about 8 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back
Temperature75 to 82 F
pH7.6 to 8.8, hard water
TemperamentNot especially aggressive but robust. Do not keep with mbuna.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

Ozzy the oscar holding a shopping bag
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Shop the Electric Blue Hap setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Electric Blue Hap, based on the care notes above.

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Gear We Recommend

Gear for Electric Blue Hap

All gear
Best for: Oscars and big cichlids

Large cichlid pellets

Big bites for big mouths, with less mess than frozen foods.

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Best for: New World cichlids and oddballs

Frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp

A weekly treat. Skip bloodworms for mbuna.

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Best for: Malawi and Tanganyika tanks

African cichlid sand

Aragonite based sand that helps hold a higher pH.

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Best for: Tanks 55 gallons and up

Canister filter

Moves lots of water and holds lots of media. The workhorse of most cichlid tanks.

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