Eastern happy (Astatotilapia calliptera)

Scientific name: Astatotilapia calliptera G?nther, 1894

Eastern happy (Astatotilapia calliptera)

The Eastern happy (Astatotilapia calliptera) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 15 cm (5.9 in). It is aggressive and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 7.4–8.4. Native range: Africa, Lakes Malawi, Chiuta and Chilwa; Lower Zambezi, Buzi, Pungwe and Save River systems.

Eastern happy care at a glance

Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
7.4–8.4
Hardness
7–30 dGH (125–535 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Occurs in vegetated areas in shallow water, but also found in rivers and streams around the lake. Feeds on invertebrates, algae, plants, small fishes and plankton. Females mouthbrood eggs.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Astatotilapia calliptera
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
15.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Lakes Malawi, Chiuta and Chilwa; Lower Zambezi, Buzi, Pungwe and Save River systems.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming Fec

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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