Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: Hap Nyereri, also referred to as Hap Crimson Tide or Flameback, are endemic to Lake Victoria on the continent of Africa, though fish available within the aquarium trade are mostly produced on a commercial basis. In the wild, there are at least eight known populations where the coloration and patterning of males can differ depending on that locale. In the aquarium trade, these locations are often included in the name to give a more accurate description of the fishes potential phenotype. Adult male Nyereri are unmistakable for their vibrant red color above and yellow-green color below, with dark vertical stripes across the flanks. Females have a pale-colored body with a little bit of color in the fins. A lot of specimens for sale are juvenile fishes, but some signs of an individual being male might be observable. While Nyereri are relatively easy to care for, they can be quite aggressive. This species would do best kept in an overcrowded tank with other like-temperamented heterospecific fish to spread out or reduce aggression. An adult Nyereri can reach a size of approximately 3″.

Diet Requirements: Nyereri are omnivorous. Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclopeeze, and other freshwater mixed preparations are ideal. High quality protein and vegetable based flake foods and pellets can be fed in moderation. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Nyereri. Several individuals will require more space and crowding of other cichlids. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for African cichlid aquariums (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves to encourage their exploratory behavior, but some open swimming space should also be provided. A dark colored sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Victoria. Nyereri should be kept with other pugnacious African cichlid species, avoiding species that prefer to keep the peace such as Aulonocara. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.