Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Hap Yellow Blaze are endemic to the southern part of Lake Malawi in intermediate zones of rocky habitat. There can be phenotypic variation in this species depending on the area of collection or breeding for certain characters; for example, Zimbabwe Rock (sometimes synonomous with ‘yellow blaze’) is one of the most sought after forms, with males having an electric yellow forehead and dorsal fin. This fish is often referred to as a ‘Hap’ because it is within the tribe of African cichlids known as Haplochromines. Young male Hap yellow blaze tend to show faint coloration while females are just an overall silver color. Aside from the yellow blaze, adult males will develop a deep blue body. Generally speaking, Otopharynx are some of the most peaceful Malawi cichlids. As such, a Hap yellow blaze would not fare well against more boisterous species such as Mbunas. Given their natural shoaling behavior, it is best to keep a male Hap yellow blaze with several females. If the aquarium is large enough, more than one male can be kept successfully together. An adult Hap yellow blaze can reach a size of approximately 6″, with females averaging slightly smaller.

Diet Requirements: Hap yellow blaze are omnivorous, though more emphasis on algae material in their diet should be exercised. Various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are acceptable. Frozen foods such as spirulina or standard brine shrimp, daphnia, and other mixed freshwater preparations should also be offered. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of small Hap yellow blaze. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped with some stacked rocks to create hiding spaces and caves. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. This species has been found to be associated with beds of Vallisneria plants in the wild. 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 Malawi. Hap yellow blaze are compatible with a number of more peaceful or community-type Malawian and Tanganyikan fish and should not be kept with overly pugnacious species. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 4-12, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2-3/4″ to 3″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″

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