Electric Blue Cichlid (Sciaenochromis fryeri) Care Guide

A brilliantly colored haplochromine from Lake Malawi with males displaying an intense electric blue coloration across the entire body.

Overview

Sciaenochromis fryeri is a species in the family Cichlidae. A brilliantly colored haplochromine from Lake Malawi with males displaying an intense electric blue coloration across the entire body. One of the most sought-after Malawi cichlids due to its vivid color.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Sciaenochromis
Scientific name: Sciaenochromis fryeri
Other names: Electric Blue Hap, Fryeri
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi; inhabits rocky shorelines along the entire lake at depths of 5-30 m. Males develop a brilliant electric-blue body with darker vertical bars; females and juveniles are a more subdued silvery grey. An ambush predator of small fish — one of the few haplochromine piscivores routinely kept in home aquaria.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 250 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 12-16 cm
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

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: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Peacock Cichlid, Red Empress Cichlid, Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Synodontis Petricola
Avoid with: Mbunas, Small Fish, Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate