Thick-Skin Haplochromis Care Guide
Haplochromis sp. "Thickskin" is an undescribed Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlid in the aquarium trade, a colourful semi-aggressive maternal mouthbrooder.
Overview
Haplochromis sp. "Thickskin" is a haplochromine cichlid of the Lake Victoria region that circulates in the aquarium trade as an undescribed species. Dominant males develop deep red flanks with green and yellow tones and an iridescent blue head. According to the Cichlid Room Companion, the fish is frequently confused with the zebra obliquidens (Astatotilapia latifasciata), and these misidentifications have even appeared in fishkeeping magazines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Provisional genus: Haplochromis
- Trade name: Haplochromis sp. "Thickskin" (also Haplochromis sp. 44)
- Status: undescribed Lake Victoria haplochromine
Habitat
The form is associated with the Lake Victoria basin in East Africa, part of the species flock of haplochromine cichlids that radiated in the lake. The Cichlid Room Companion notes the fish does well in rocky, relatively shallow aquarium setups that mimic the rocky inshore zones favoured by many Victorian haplochromines.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Aquascape: rockwork over sand for territories and refuges
Diet
The species is an omnivore. A varied diet of quality dried foods supplemented with frozen and occasional live items suits it, fed in small amounts twice daily. As with other Victorian haplochromines, a balanced rather than heavily protein-loaded diet is preferable.
Compatibility
Reports describe the fish as semi-aggressive and noticeably more pugnacious than some similar Victorians, capable of bullying larger haplochromines. It is best housed with other robust Victorian haps, Astatotilapia and Synodontis catfish, with ample rockwork to break lines of sight. To limit male-on-male aggression a harem of one male with several females is recommended. Avoid mixing with Malawi mbuna, Tropheus, soft-water community fish (discus, tetras), dwarf cichlids, and other red Victorians that could hybridise or compete.
Breeding
Breeding is straightforward and follows the typical maternal mouthbrooding pattern of Victorian haplochromines. The female collects the eggs and broods them in her mouth, then continues to shelter the free-swimming fry; reported broods are on the order of 20-30 fry.