Haplochromis cornflower

The Blue Hap, or Haplochromis cornflower, is a colorful and well-liked fish in the aquarium hobby. It gives a vibrant pop of color to any tank with its eye-catching blue hue and distinct personality. This fish is admired by aquarists for both its attractive appearance and its lively, entertaining habits.

These fish are indigenous to Lake Malawi in Africa, where their rocky habitats suit them well. For them to remain healthy and lively in the aquarium, they require a well-kept habitat that resembles their natural surroundings. It is crucial to comprehend their requirements and inclinations to guarantee an extended and contented existence within your aquarium.

Haplochromis cornflowers are renowned for being extroverted, particularly when mating. To prevent conflicts, it’s critical to pick tank mates carefully and to leave plenty of space between you. These interesting fish can make a stunning addition to any home aquarium given the proper care and attention.

Common Name Haplochromis Cornflower
Scientific Name Haplochromis nyererei
Family Cichlidae
Origin Lake Victoria, Africa
Size Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Diet Omnivore
Temperament Territorial, semi-aggressive
Water Temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range 7.0

History of the name

The identification of this fish is a little unclear. It was originally identified as Haplochromis serranoides by researcher Dr. Ernst Ahl (Dr. Ernst Ahl) in 1926. After it was discovered that another species had previously been given this name, it was renamed Haplochromis ahli in 1935 to honor the discoverer. Much later, in 1989, it was decided to move the fish from the genus Haplochromis to the genus Sciaenochromis following a number of scientific investigations into the ichthyofauna of African rift lakes.

The discovery of a new species of Malawi cichlids, Sciaenochromis fryeri, was reported by ichthyologist Trewavas in 1993. The species is named for Dr. Geoffrey Fryer, who devoted his life to studying the fish of Lake Nyasa.

Depending on the area of capture, the two cichlids have largely different body patterns and colors, despite being nearly identical. Many scientists disagree with Trewavas’ discovery, believing that both fish are merely distinct geographical variations or subspecies of the same species.

Since the fish are kept in the same environment and require similar maintenance, such scientific collisions are not very significant for the average aquarist. In light of the aforementioned, Haplochromis ahli is referred to by the scientific names Sciaenochromis fryeri and Sciaenochromis ahli in this article.

Conditions and prerequisites:

  • Aquarium volume – from 300 l.
  • Temperature – 23–28°C
  • pH value — 7.2–8.8
  • Water hardness — medium to hard (10–25 dGH)
  • Substrate type — sandy
  • Lighting — moderate
  • Brackish water — no
  • Water movement — weak to moderate
  • Fish size — up to 19 cm.
  • Food — any protein-rich food
  • Temperament — relatively peaceful
  • Keeping in a harem with one male and several females
  • Life expectancy — from 7 to 10 years.

Aquarium enthusiasts love the colorful and well-liked Haplochromis cornflower cichlid species for its lively behavior and eye-catching blue color. This fish looks great in rocky freshwater aquariums, swimming with exuberance and interacting with other fish to create a captivating display. It’s quite simple to take care of, but like all cichlids, it needs the right conditions in the tank and the right food to stay healthy and look beautiful.

Habitat

Native to Lake Nyasa, one of Africa’s largest bodies of water. found all over the lake at depths of up to 40 meters along the rocky portion of the shoreline and the intermediate sandy zones between them.

Description

Adults can grow up to 20 cm in length. The fish has large, naked eyes and a stocky, elongated body. There are multiple isolated populations, so the body’s color and pattern will vary depending on the particular habitat.

The most prevalent aquaristics come from the eastern portion of the lake. These fish have a metallic sheen and a bright blue or blue body color. There are nine to twelve vertical, short, dark stripes on the sides that run evenly from head to tail. During the breeding season, the fish’s lateral strokes "dissolve" and take on a monochromatic hue.

Males possess all of the attributes mentioned. Females are considerably smaller, growing up to 15 cm in length, and have a dull, silvery gray color with occasional flashes of pale blue. Like females, juniors can’t be identified by how brightly colored they are.

Nutrition

The fry of other Malawi cichlids is their favorite food in the wild. But in a home aquarium, a small predator’s instincts vanish in the absence of such prey. Any food high in protein, such as brine shrimp, frozen or fresh bloodworms, granules, or dry flakes, will form the foundation of the diet.

Food in Aqvium flakes for aquarium fish

Give our recently released product, which has quickly become a bestseller, a 4.9 on Ozon. Most fish in aquariums can eat flake food. The production of raw materials complies with new EU (EU 2018/848) standards. includes Omega 3-6 and vitamins A, C, D3, and E.

For a group of two to three fish, an aquarium should be no more than 300 liters, with width and length being far more crucial than depth. Large open swimming areas are critical for Haplochromis cornflower, so the lower tier receives most of the design’s attention. Typically, the bottom layer consists of a layer of sandy soil with sturdy wooden or stone shelters constructed from driftwood, stone piles, and other materials. d. Plants are not required to be present.

Unlike most other freshwater biotopes, Lake Nyasa’s water is distinguished by a high pH level and a substantial concentration of dissolved minerals. In a home aquarium, a comparable environment must be created and maintained.

The seamless operation of the installed equipment and the frequency of aquarium maintenance will be major factors in maintaining high water quality. The latter involves removing accumulated organic waste (excrement and leftover food) and replacing a portion of the water with fresh water once a week.

Behavior and compatibility

Haplochromis cornflower is a predator, but it cannot be characterized as aggressive. When it comes to fish that are similar in size, it is fairly calm. Fry and other tiny aquarium occupants, however, will be in danger. Gets along well with Aulonocara, members of the Utaka group, and other species that can survive in such conditions. Joint keeping with territorial Mbuna is acceptable in large aquariums.

To prevent intraspecific competition, it is advised to keep a group composition in small tanks consisting of one male and multiple females.

Breeding / Reproduction

During spawning, the behavior patterns in aquariums and the natural world diverge significantly. Males create small, hole-topped sand mounds that resemble miniature volcanoes in their natural habitat. These kinds of structures are rare in aquariums. Typically, areas with sloping stones serve as spawning grounds, where tiny depressions can be excavated.

The male initiates courtship by selecting a location and luring females in. At times, his displays of affection can be so overbearing that women are compelled to temporarily hide in shelters to avoid him.

The female releases up to 70 eggs at a time during spawning. The female takes the eggs into her mouth to carry them after the male picks them up with his anal fin and fertilizes them. About three weeks pass during the incubation phase. The fry are prepared to receive Artemia nauplii, ground dry food, and other items of a similar nature from the moment of their birth.

The fascinating and unusual Haplochromis cornflower fish can infuse your aquarium with lively color and vitality. It will definitely draw attention from onlookers due to its eye-catching blue colors and lively demeanor.

Like any aquarium fish, though, it needs to pay close attention to its surroundings and friends. You can make sure your Haplochromis cornflower grows and remains healthy by giving it the correct water conditions, food, and tank mates.

Adding this stunning cichlid to your collection can be a rewarding experience, regardless of experience level. Gaining insight into its requirements and disposition will enable you to have a vibrant and lively addition to your underwater environment.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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