Sulphurhead hap - Otopharynx lithobates

Scientific name: Otopharynx lithobates

Common name: Sulphurhead hap

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 16 cm (5.91 - 6.3 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 22°N (125 - 392.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Provide Sulphurhead haps with cichlids pellets as the staple diet but include some spirulina flake as well. They will also require meaty foods in the form of live or frozen treats to fulfil their needs.

Origin

Africa; Sulphurhead hap is endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

When juveniles, there is no differences between the sexes. As they mature the males will develop a blue coloration to the body with a yellow border to the dorsal fin. Males will also grow larger than the females.

Breeding

The eggs will be laid on a flat rock and once fertilised, the female will pick them up in her mouth. The brooding normally last for about 3 weeks and during this time she may refuse to eat. Once the fry have been released, they can be fed on daphnia or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Otopharynx lithobates is 8 years.

Short description

This hap is a peaceful species that very rarely shows aggression to other tank mates. It doesn’t like burrowing in the substrate so plants can be added to a species tank without them being uprooted.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.