
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sciaenochromis fryeri
A mid-sized Lake Malawi haplochromine whose males turn brilliant cobalt blue. A piscivore that hunts small fish around rock, it is treated as one of the signature species of the lake.
Sciaenochromis fryeri is a mid-sized haplochromine found throughout Lake Malawi, including Taiwan Reef and the Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi islands. It lives over rock at depths of 10-40m and feeds on fish. FishBase records a maximum of 11.5cm SL while Seriously Fish gives 20cm, so sources differ. Mature males develop brilliant cobalt blue, whereas females stay silvery brown. It is less aggressive than mbuna but reacts strongly to similarly coloured fish, so avoid mbuna and choose companions of comparable size such as Nimbochromis or Cyrtocara. Use a tank of 150 x 45cm (about 300 litres) at pH 7.6-8.8, 10-25 dGH and 24-28C. Females are maternal mouthbrooders carrying broods for around three weeks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Electric Blue Hap lives 8-12 years.
The Electric Blue Hap grows to 12-20cm.
The ideal temperature for the Electric Blue Hap is 24〜28℃.
Origin
Throughout Lake Malawi, Africa (endemic)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
12-20cm
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Sciaenochromis fryeri Konings, 1993
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜28℃
Prepared foods and frozen foods (animal-based)
150 x 45cm (about 300 litres) or larger. Provide both rockwork and open swimming space at the front.
24-28C, pH 7.6-8.8, 10-25 dGH. Maintain hard alkaline water.
Avoid mbuna and similarly coloured fish. Species of comparable size such as Nimbochromis or Cyrtocara suit it. Keep one male with several females.
A piscivore, so feed mainly animal-based foods: live, frozen and dried in combination. Do not feed mammal meat.
A mouthbrooder. Spawn one male with at least three females; the female carries the brood for about three weeks.
Small fish will be eaten, so do not house them together. Male colour depends on water quality and condition, so keep feeding and water changes consistent. The trade name ahli comes from a different fish, Sciaenochromis ahli, but the blue cichlid sold in the hobby is almost always this species, S. fryeri, so check the scientific name.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Electric Blue Hap is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Electric Blue Hap is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Electric Blue Hap typically reaches 12-20cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Electric Blue Hap feeds on: Prepared foods and frozen foods (animal-based). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Electric Blue Hap varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026