Haplochromis sp. "All Red" Care Guide
The All-Red Haplochromis, traded as the Hippo Point Salmon (Ptyochromis sp.), is a Lake Victoria cichlid in which dominant males develop deep red coloration.
Overview
The All-Red Haplochromis is a Lake Victoria cichlid traded under names including "Hippo Point Salmon" and now generally placed in the genus Ptyochromis (formerly Haplochromis). It is collected near Hippo Point, Kenya. Dominant males turn bright red from the head to the anal fin, shading to lime green toward the tail; females are olive green with darker markings.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Tribe: Haplochromini
- Trade names: Haplochromis sp. "All Red", Hippo Point Salmon
- Current placement: Ptyochromis sp.
Habitat
A Lake Victoria endemic collected at Hippo Point, Kenya. Like other rock-associated Victorians it is kept in alkaline, hard water and benefits from rocky structures that break sight-lines and provide territories. Wild Victorian haplochromines have declined due to the introduced Nile perch.
Tank requirements
- Maximum size: males to about 9-13 cm (hobby sources / KB record)
- Temperature: about 24 °C (hobby sources)
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (hobby sources, hard alkaline water)
- Rocky aquascape with crevices and territories
- Keep one male with 3-4 females
Diet
Hobby sources recommend a good-quality flake or granular staple supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and Mysis, with live foods readily accepted.
Compatibility
It does well in all-male displays or harem groups of 3-4 females per male, which spreads breeding aggression. Rockwork is built to create crevices and break lines of sight so territorial fish can avoid one another. It mixes with other robust Victorian haps.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder; hobby sources note females can spawn from about six months of age, with larger and more successful spawns once females reach nine months or older.
Conservation status
Hobby sources describe it as a threatened species, as most Lake Victoria haplochromines are at risk following the introduction of the Nile perch.