Malawi Hawk (Aristochromis christyi) Care Guide

Sleek predatory hap with hawk-like profile, reaching 25 cm. Males show metallic blue body with red flanks; ambushes mbuna fry around rocky drop-offs.

Overview

Aristochromis christyi is a species in the family Cichlidae. Sleek predatory hap with hawk-like profile, reaching 25 cm. Males show metallic blue body with red flanks; ambushes mbuna fry around rocky drop-offs. Specialty piscivore for advanced keepers in 600 L+ tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Aristochromis
Scientific name: Aristochromis christyi
Other names: Hawk Cichlid
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, ranging over intermediate and rocky zones. A large predatory hap with a distinctive sharply pointed snout used to hunt smaller cichlids among rocks. The only species in the genus Aristochromis; a maternal mouthbrooder.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 600 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 22-28 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Large hap species
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Small fish, Mbuna

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: advanced