Sciaenochromis fryeri or the Electric Blue Hap

Introduction to Sciaenochromis fryeri:

Sciaenochromis fryeri or the "Electric Blue Hap" is a Lake malawi haplochromis species. The breeding blue color of the male haps are best shown in S. Fryeri. The females are brownish-grey to silver, very difficult to distinguish from the Kadango cichlid females. The male in this species is very popular in the hobby for their stunning color. Sometimes they may  show dark vertical bars on their body which is a sign of stress, and it is farely common in Malawi haps.


Color Variants of Sciaenochromis fryeri:
There are many color morphs of S. Fryeri present throughout Lake Malawi, but all have the same electric blue as the base color. Main difference found is in their  fins. There are also some hybrids of S. Fryeri present in the hobby.

Sizes of S. Fryeri:

The wildcaught S. Fryeri measures sizes of 12-14 cm in general, but there are specimens collected from Likoma Island having a length of over 20 cm. In the aquarium, all variants can grow to 20 cm in length. The females of this species, like most African Cichlid species, tend to be slightly smaller than the males.

Malawi Tank

Want some active colorful fishes. Keep Malawi cichlids, the most colorful freshwater fishes. Below are some photos from my malawi tank. In Kolkata you can get many options of malawi cichlids in Galiff Street market.

 

C. Borleyii, the Red Kadango Cichlid

Introduction to Red Kadango:

This African Lake Malawi cichlid is an An easily kept fish, only need is a descent size tank that has dedicated rock structure to hide, if more than one fish is present. Male female distinction is very explicit, and easy to distinguish from in smaller fishes as well. So a pair is ideal to keep in a tank, the red kadango or redfin kadango can easily be bred. Various color morphs are present in the aquahobby, the color is mainly dependent on which point of the lake malawi it is collected from. They are not overly aggressive like most of the other malawi cichlids, and should not be kept with aggressive fishes like mbunas. Recommended to keep with lake malawi cichlids only, do not ever mix CS American cichlid with malawi or tanganyikan or victorian lake cichlids. Their requirement is all different including food habit, ideal pH, temperature, aggression level etc. If constantly bullied, the red kadango may become timid and not fare well. The beautiful red color in the body does not show up  well.

 

Check the article on my MALAWI TANK here.

Dimidiochromis Strigatus, the false eyebiter cichlid

Introduction to Dimidiochromis Strigatus, the false eyebiter cichlid:
Dimidiochromis Strigatus looks similar to the eyebiter cichlid, the dimidiochromis compressiceps. It is a predator fish like the eyebiter. Typically fed on smaller mbuna as well as insects.

It's common name is Haplochromis Sunset.

Salvini Cichlid

Scientific name: Cichlasoma salvini / Nandopsis salvini
Common name: Salvini cichlid, Salvin's Cichlid, Yellow-Belly Cichlid, Tricolor Cichlid
Max. size: 22 cm / 9 inches (usually less)
pH range: 7.0 – 8.0
dH range: 5-20
Temperature range: 22 - 27°C / 72 - 81°F
Introduction to Salvini Cichlid:
The Salvini cichlid is a very beautiful mid sized fish that are mostly suitable for community south American or Central American cichlid aquariums with other semi aggressive cichlids. The temperament of this fish varies with the nature of the tankmates. The fish is not suitable for complete beginner to aquarium hobby, but they are good for those who have kept ishes,but this is the first time they are trying cichlids. These fishes are hardy and easy to care for.

The Salvini cichlid s common in this hobby. This fish  can be found under the names of Yellow-Belly Cichlid and Tricolor Cichlid. 

The Salvini Cichlid takes on the most vivid colors during the time of breeding. They do not always appear terribly colorful, most of the time colored either pale yellow or grey, they take on bright color variations at the time of spawning.  

Eye Biter Cichlid

The Malawi Eye Biter fish has an elongated body shape, it has a triangle-shaped head, which is the best way to identify a eye biter cichlid. 

This species has a reputation for eating the eyes of other fishes in the wild. That' s what behind it's name. Some feel that the eye-eating is a result from an attempt to blind its prey, other think that the eyes are a delicacy for the fish. Strangely though, this behavior has not been observed in home aquarium.
Difficulty of care: 5. A hardy fish that requires a large tank. Be aware that this species is piscivorous. Live foods are required in the diet of this fish.