What is the difference between haps and Mbuna?
Haps are aggressive, but not as aggressive as the vegetarian Mbuna. They have long, slender, almost torpedo-like bodies, and cruise the open water. Most of these fish are silver or gray when small, and the males become very brightly colored as they mature.
Is a red empress cichlid a hap?
Protomelas taeniolatus (often sold under various trade names: Haplochromis red empress, red empress or spindle hap) is a Haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. The fish is popular in the aquarium hobby due to the bright rainbow-like colors of adult males and its relatively peaceful temperament.
Is Red Empress aggressive?
For the most part, Red Empress Cichlids are peaceful. They prefer to mind their own business when possible. Although these fish can attack others, it’s quite rare. If you follow our tank recommendations and have lots of hiding spots and plenty of space to swim, you can significantly reduce your chances of aggression.
What sucker fish can live with cichlids?
It also only grows a few inches long and is not very aggressive. The krib, a small west African cichlid is similarly compatible with smaller plecos. The dwarf pleco or otto cat (Ottocinclus spp) also stays small and is a hardy fish. A group of these will get along well with small cichlids.
How fast do Red Empress grow?
8 to 9 months
Red Empress Cichlids typically reach sexual maturity at 8 to 9 months. Most fish will continue growing after that point until they have reached their full size. Their growth rate is fairly average for freshwater fish.
What are the water conditions for Hap cichlids?
Because Hap cichlids are endemic to Lake Malawi, they all have very similar requirements for water conditions. The pH of Lake Malawi ranges from 7.8 to 8.6 and the water is fairly hard with a hardness level of 4 to 6 dH.
What is the difference between male and female Hap cichlids?
Females are generally more dull in coloration than males. Because Hap cichlids are endemic to Lake Malawi, they all have very similar requirements for water conditions. The pH of Lake Malawi ranges from 7.8 to 8.6 and the water is fairly hard with a hardness level of 4 to 6 dH.
Is Haplochromis a cichlid?
Haplochromis or “Haps” as they are commonly referred to, is the largest genera of Cichlids, with many species residing in Lake Malawi. Similar to Peacocks, they display wonderful color and are sexually dimorphic–males display color while females do not.
How many species of cichlids are in Lake Hap?
It is the ninth largest lake in the world and home to more species of fish than any other lake, including an estimated 1,000 species of cichlid – approximately 230 of these species are Hap cichlids. Hap cichlids exhibit a wide variety of colorations and patterns ranging from solid blue to multicolored combinations of red, orange, and purple.