Collection: Lake Malawi Haplochromis

Lake Malawi Haplochromis Species – Explained for Fishkeepers

When hobbyists talk about “Haps,” they’re referring to a group of beautiful and diverse cichlids from Lake Malawi in East Africa. Originally, all of these fish were lumped under the scientific name Haplochromis, but over time scientists realized there were actually many different genera within that group—like Copadichromis, Protomelas, Sciaenochromis, and Otopharynx, to name a few. Despite the taxonomic changes, aquarists still affectionately call them Haps.

Haplochromis are mostly open-water or sand-dwelling cichlids, unlike their rock-loving cousins, the Mbuna. They’re built for speed and grace, often gliding through the mid- to upper levels of the tank. Many species are carnivorous or piscivorous, feeding on smaller fish, invertebrates, or even plankton in their natural habitat.

In the aquarium, Lake Malawi Haps are admired for their striking metallic colors, larger size, and generally calmer temperament compared to Mbuna. Males often develop intense blues, reds, or yellows when mature—especially during breeding. Because of their beauty and behavior, Haps are a favorite choice for aquarists who want a lively, colorful, yet relatively peaceful African cichlid display.

Habitat and Behavior of Lake Malawi Haps

In their natural home, Lake Malawi, Haplochromis occupy the open waters and sandy regions rather than the rocky shorelines preferred by Mbuna. This vast, crystal-clear lake—one of the largest and deepest in the world—provides endless space for these sleek swimmers to patrol in search of food. Because they live in more open environments, many Haps have evolved streamlined bodies and swift, darting movements that help them chase down prey or escape danger.

Most species are carnivorous. Some feed on small invertebrates or plankton, while others—like the popular Sciaenochromis fryeri (Electric Blue Hap)—are piscivores, preying on smaller fish. This makes them fascinating to watch, as they exhibit natural hunting and courtship displays even in captivity.

Behaviorally, Haps tend to be less aggressive than Mbuna, though males can still become territorial—especially during breeding. They often claim a small area of the tank or lakebed where they display their colors and court females. In mixed tanks, Haps generally coexist well with other peaceful or semi-aggressive Malawi species, as long as they have enough swimming space and hiding areas.

Tank Setup and Care for Lake Malawi Haps

Creating the right environment for Haplochromis is all about space, water quality, and a natural layout that mimics their open-water and sandy habitats. These fish are active swimmers that need room to move, so tank size is the first big consideration.

Tank Size:
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a small group of Haps, though larger is always better. Many species can reach 6–10 inches in adulthood, and they thrive in tanks that provide open swimming areas with some rock structures for cover and breeding territories.

Aquascaping:
Haps aren’t heavy rock dwellers like Mbuna, so go for a simpler layout—a sandy substrate, scattered rocks, and maybe a few hardy plants like Anubias or Vallisneria. Open spaces are key, as they mimic the lake’s mid-water zones and allow for natural cruising and displaying behavior.

Water Conditions:
Lake Malawi is famous for its crystal-clear, alkaline water, so aim for:

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• Hardness: Moderately hard to hard

Stable, clean water is essential—these fish are sensitive to poor quality. A powerful filtration system and regular water changes (about 25–30% weekly) help maintain pristine conditions.

Diet:
Most Haps are carnivorous or omnivorous, so feed them a high-protein diet: quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, krill, or mysis shrimp. Avoid feeding too much terrestrial protein (like beef heart), which can cause digestive issues.

Tankmates:
Haps generally get along with other non-aggressive Malawi species, especially Peacocks (Aulonocara sp.) and other Haps of similar size. Avoid mixing them with overly aggressive Mbuna, as those rock dwellers can stress or injure them.