Blue Streak Hap — a Cichlidae from Lake Malawi, Africa, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 6.1–8.9 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 23–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
6.1–8.9 cm
Minimum tank
95 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance
Origin
Lake Malawi, Africa
Species overview
Labidochromis caeruleus, a member of the family Cichlidae, is native to Lake Malawi, Africa. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6.1–8.9 cm. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 23–26 °C at pH 6–8. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines
Diet
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter