Star Sapphire Cichlid Male

Color will become more evident at 3 4 or even 5.

Star sapphire cichlid male. Aggressive region of origin. After 3 years of waiting i have a colony of 6 star sapphires in my 500 gallon african cichlid tan. Males are blue with darker blue stripes until they reach about 4 to 5 inches. Male star sapphires begin to display a glittery jewel like pattern at approximately 5 6 in size.

This fish resembles placidochromis phenochilus hence the name. They turn bright blue with white starspots making them one of the most attractive fish in the cichlid world. Flake or pellet compatibility. Star sapphire haplochromis cichlid.

These two species are easily distinguishable. Phenochilus tanzania common name. The true placido chromis phenochilus gets its name from its unique lips which are. Juvenile males have a navy blue color.

Moderately aggressive and predatory. All lake malawi haplochromis species will hybridize with other closely related species. Male star sapphire cichlids are extremely variable when it comes to their spotting. Victorian haps malawi haps malawi pe.

Star sapphire cichlids are generally peaceful and only show minimal levels of aggression they are best kept with other haplochromis of a similar size and temperament. This is a big hap. Lake malawi adult size. Phenochilus tanzania star sapphire is the only fish from lake malawi that males develop bright white starspots.

A beautiful hap with blue color and white specks. 2nd photo an adult male for reference. Phenochilus tanzania star sapphire place of origin. First photo is an actual photo of 3 juveniles.

If you want to avoid hybridization the star sapphire cichlid should not be kept with placidochromis electra. Females have a grayish to light blue color. Star sapphire placidochromis sp. No two males look the same.

Star sapphire max size. Lake malawi africa captive bred or wild. They can eat other fish if they are small enough.