Haplochromis cornflower blue

Cornflower haplochromis, scientific name Sciaenochromis fryeri, belongs to the Cichlidae family. Bright moving fish with a difficult disposition. Not recommended for beginner aquarists.

Title History

There is some confusion about the identification of this fish. It was first discovered by researcher Dr. Ernst Ahl in 1926 and named Haplochromis serranoides. Later it turned out that this name had already been assigned to another species, so in 1935 it was renamed Haplochromis ahli, in honor of the discoverer. Much later, in 1989, after a series of scientific studies of the ichthyofauna of African rift lakes, it was decided to transfer the fish from the genus Haplochromis to the genus Sciaenochromis.

In 1993, ichthyologist Trewavas announced the discovery of another species of Malawian cichlids – Sciaenochromis fryeri, named after Dr. Jeffrey Fryer, who devoted his life to studying the fish of Lake Nyasa.

Both cichlids are almost identical and have significant variations in body pattern and color depending on the region of catch. Many researchers have questioned Trewavas’ discovery, considering both fish to be nothing more than a subspecies or a separate geographical variety within the same species.

For the average aquarist, these scientific conflicts are of little importance, since the fish are kept in identical environments and have similar maintenance requirements. In view of the foregoing, in this article the scientific names Sciaenochromis fryeri and Sciaenochromis ahli are considered synonyms for Cornflower Haplochromis.

Requirements and conditions:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 300 liters.
• Temperature – 23-28°C
• Value pH — 7.2–8.8
• Water hardness – medium and high hardness (10-25 dGH)
• Substrate type – sandy
• Lighting – moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is up to 19 cm.
• Nutrition – any food rich in protein
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Keeping in a harem with one male and several females
• Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years.

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Nyasa, one of the largest on the African continent. It occurs throughout the lake along the rocky part of the coastline and intermediate sandy zones between them at depths of up to 40 meters.

Description

Adults reach a length of up to 20 cm. The fish has a stocky elongated body with a large naked and large eyes. Several isolated populations have developed in the lake, therefore, depending on the specific region of habitat, the color and pattern of the body will differ.

In the aquarists, the most widespread are those from the eastern part of the lake. These fish have a bright blue or blue body color with a metallic sheen. On the sides, evenly from head to tail, there are 9–12 vertical short dark stripes. Lateral strokes “dissolve” during the breeding season and the fish acquires a solid color.

All of the above characteristics apply to males. Females are noticeably smaller in size (up to 15 cm) and have a gray nondescript gray or silver color, only sometimes hints of a pale blue color can be seen in them. Juveniles, like females, also do not differ in the brightness of colors.

Food

In nature, fry of other Malawian cichlids serve as a favorite food. However, in the home aquarium, in the absence of such prey, the instincts of a small predator fade away. The basis of the diet will be any protein-rich food, such as dry flakes, granules, frozen or fresh bloodworms, brine shrimp.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of an aquarium for a group of 2-3 fish starts from 300 liters, and the width and length of the tank are much more important than its depth. For Haplochromis cornflower blue, it is important to have large free areas for swimming, so the main attention in the design is given to the lower tier. At the bottom, a layer of sandy soil and reliable stone or wooden shelters made of pieces of rocks, heaps of stones, snags, etc. are usually placed. The presence of plants is not necessary.

The water in Lake Nyasa is characterized by a significant content of dissolved minerals and high pH values, which is significantly different from most other freshwater biotopes. Such an environment will need to be recreated and maintained in the home aquarium.

High water quality will largely depend on the smooth operation of the installed equipment and the regular maintenance of the aquarium. The latter includes the weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water and the removal of accumulated organic waste (feed leftovers, excrement).

Behavior and Compatibility

Although Haplochromis cornflower can be classified as a predator, it cannot be called aggressive. Quite peacefully tuned in relation to fish of comparable size. However, fry and other small tankmates will be at risk. It gets along well with representatives of the Utaka group, Aulonocara and other species that can live in such an environment. In large aquariums, joint keeping with territorial Mbuna is acceptable.

In small tanks, it is recommended to maintain a group composition with one male and several females to avoid intraspecific competition.

Breeding / Reproduction

The pattern of behavior in nature and aquariums during spawning is very different. In their natural environment, males build sand mounds with a hole at the top, resembling a miniature volcano. In aquariums, such buildings are rare. Usually, areas with inclined stones become the spawning grounds, at the base of which small depressions can be dug.

When the site is chosen, the male proceeds to courtship, attracting females. Sometimes his signs of attention are so intrusive that females are forced to hide from him in shelters for a while.

During spawning, the female alternately releases up to 70 eggs. The male picks them up on the anal fin and fertilizes, after which the female picks up the eggs in her mouth for gestation. The incubation period lasts about 3 weeks. From the first days of life, the fry are ready to accept ground dry food, Artemia nauplii and other similar products.

Fish diseases

Keeping in a suitable environment reduces the risk of developing diseases to a minimum, and vice versa, deviations in the hydrochemical composition of water, injuries, and poor nutrition lead to suppression of the immune system. The weakened body of the fish quickly becomes ill. In the event of the first signs of illness, it is necessary to check (and, if necessary, correct) the conditions of detention and only then proceed to treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.