Royal blue hap (Otopharynx heterodon)

Scientific name: Otopharynx heterodon Trewavas, 1935

The Royal blue hap (Otopharynx heterodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Chilumba, Nhkata Bay, Likoma Island and Monkey Bay.

Royal blue hap care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

Biology

Found mostly on sediment-rich substrates on deeper regions but is also found in the intermediate sand-rock habitats. An opportunistic feeder that feeds from the drifting sediment in the water column.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Otopharynx heterodon
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 12.8
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.4 - 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Chilumba, Nhkata Bay, Likoma Island and Monkey Bay.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)