Anagenys (Exochochromis anagenys) Care Guide

Streamlined open-water hap reaching 25 cm. Dominant males turn deep blue with red anal fin. Active swimmer in upper layers; peaceful with similarly sized hap species.

Overview

Exochochromis anagenys is a species in the family Cichlidae. Streamlined open-water hap reaching 25 cm. Dominant males turn deep blue with red anal fin. Active swimmer in upper layers; peaceful with similarly sized hap species.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Exochochromis
Scientific name: Exochochromis anagenys
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, ranging over sandy and intermediate zones. A large, streamlined predatory hap that pursues smaller fishes. The only species in the genus Exochochromis; a maternal mouthbrooder requiring ample swimming space.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 500 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 22-26 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 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: top
Compatible tank mates: Aulonocara peacocks, Other Haps, Synodontis multipunctatus
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate