The Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis fryeri) is a show-stopping African cichlid known for its vibrant electric blue coloration, streamlined body, and striking personality. Native to Lake Malawi, this fish is popular among intermediate to advanced aquarists who appreciate its beauty and relatively manageable care requirements.
This care sheet covers everything you need to know about Electric Blue Hap care – including tank setup, water quality, feeding, behavior, and breeding tips – to help your fish thrive.
We also have an article on the True Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis Ahli) if that is what you were looking for.
⚡ Species Snapshot
- Common Name: Electric Blue Hap
- Scientific Name: Sciaenochromis fryeri
- Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
- Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters)
🐠 Appearance
The Electric Blue Hap is a visually stunning fish with its intense iridescent blue coloring, especially in males. Males are far more colorful, while females and juveniles tend to be grayish or silvery with subtle hints of blue. Their elongated body and flowing fins make them a standout in any tank.
🏝️ Natural Habitat
In the wild, Electric Blue Haps inhabit the rocky shoreline areas of Lake Malawi. They’re often found near caves and crevices, which they use for hiding and spawning. They are open-water hunters, feeding primarily on smaller fish (like fry of mbuna).
🛠️ Tank Setup
📏 Minimum Tank Size
- 75 gallons for a single male and several females.
- Larger tanks (100+ gallons) are better for community setups.
🧱 Aquascaping
- Use rocks and caves to mimic their natural habitat.
- Keep open swimming space in the center for active movement.
- Avoid sharp decorations; they can damage fins.
🌱 Plants
- Live plants may not do well due to the fish’s digging behavior.
- Use hardy species (like Anubias or Java fern) anchored to rocks.
💡 Lighting
- Moderate to bright lighting enhances their coloration.
- Avoid excessive lighting if it stresses the fish.
💧 Water Parameters
Electric Blue Haps thrive in stable, clean water. Regular water changes are essential.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 7.8–8.6 (alkaline) |
| Hardness | 10–20 dGH |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | < 20 ppm |
Water Changes
- 25–30% weekly is recommended.
- Use a high-quality water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine.
🍽️ Diet
Electric Blue Haps are carnivorous and should be fed a protein-rich diet.
✅ Ideal Foods:
- High-quality cichlid pellets
- Frozen or live brine shrimp, krill, or bloodworms
- Occasional chopped earthworms
❌ Avoid:
- Feeder fish (risk of parasites and aggression).
- Excessive plant matter. They’re not herbivores.
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily. Remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.
🧬 Behavior & Compatibility
😎 Temperament
- Males are territorial, especially when breeding.
- Females are typically more peaceful.
- Best kept in harems (1 male to 3–5 females).
🐟 Tank Mates
- Other haplochromine cichlids with similar size and temperament
- Peacock cichlids (Aulonocara spp.)
- Avoid mbuna, aggressive cichlids, or fin-nippers
Pro Tip: Avoid housing two males unless the tank is very large and has plenty of hiding spaces.
🥚 Breeding
Electric Blue Haps are maternal mouthbrooders . The female holds the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch.
📋 Breeding Setup:
- 1 male + 3 or more females
- Provide flat rocks or smooth surfaces for spawning
- Keep water conditions stable and clean
🔄 Spawning Process:
- Male builds a nest or selects a spawning site.
- Female lays eggs and picks them up in her mouth.
- Male fertilizes the eggs while the female holds them.
- Female incubates for ~3 weeks, then releases free-swimming fry.
🍼 Fry Care:
- Feed newly hatched fry baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
- Keep them in a separate grow-out tank if possible.
🩺 Common Health Issues
Like most cichlids, Electric Blue Haps are hardy but susceptible to certain issues if water quality or diet is poor:
- Malawi bloat (due to stress or improper diet)
- Ich (white spots on body and fins)
- Fin rot (from injuries or dirty water)
- Hole-in-the-head disease (linked to poor water conditions or diet)
Prevention Tip: Maintain good water quality, avoid overfeeding, and quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
✅ Quick Summary: Electric Blue Hap Care Checklist
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 75 gallons minimum |
| Water Parameters | 76–82°F, pH 7.8–8.6, hard water |
| Diet | Carnivorous: protein-rich foods |
| Compatibility | Semi-aggressive, best in harems |
| Breeding Style | Maternal mouthbrooder |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Final Thoughts
The Electric Blue Hap is a captivating addition to a Lake Malawi cichlid tank. With the right setup and care, these vivid blue beauties will thrive and reward you with their stunning colors and engaging behavior. They’re not for the absolute beginner, but with a bit of experience, they’re a wonderful species to keep.
Ready to dive into the world of African cichlids? The Electric Blue Hap might just be the star of your show.
