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Photo of: Blue Ahli (Sciaenochromis ahli)
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Scientific Name(s): Sciaenochromis ahli, Cyrtocara ahli, Haplochromis ahli, Haplochromis jacksoni
Common Name(s): Blue Ahli, Blue Hap, Electric Blue Ahli
Family: Cichlidae
Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Malawi
Maximum Size: 7 inches
Life Span: 11 years
Natural Habitat: East African Lake Malawi
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom, middle
Possible Tank Mates: Haplochromis Cichlids such as the Blue Dolphin Hap, Malawi Eye Biter, Red Finned Borleyi. Also Peacock Cichlids and synodontis catfish. The Blue Ahli is very aggressive and can hold its own with Mbunas.
Description: Blue Ahli are African Cichlids originating in Lake Malawi. They are also know as the Blue Hap, as they are Haplochromis Cichlids. The males turn the electric blue color. Females and juveniles are completely gray. Blue Ahli will eat flake foods, algae based flake foods and cichlid pellets. Do not feed them live worms, beefheart or live brine shrimp, as these can bloat and kill the fish.
Blue Ahli are very territorial, aggressive fish. They need large swimming spaces, so a 90 gallon tank is recommended. Rocks and other hiding areas can be provided, however they traditionally stay away from the rocks due to fear of mbunas, like the Cobalt Blue Zebra, the Red Zebra or the Blue Johanni. Neverthess, Blue Ahlis can hold their own against mbunas. There should be little or no gravel in the tank. They enjoy plants, but will destroy them. A grouping including more than 10 haplochromis and peacock cichlids is recommended. Male Blue Ahli should not be combined, unless they have adequate hiding areas from each other. A single male with two or three females works quite well.
Temperature Range 74°F - 80°F
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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Diet: Live; crustaceans, small fish, aquatic insects, insect larvae; tablets; pellets.
Temperment: Very aggressive
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African Catfish
