Chunky Hap
Protomelas annectens
A curious Lake Malawi cichlid that hunts by following disturbances in the sand.
About
Found on shallow sandy stretches of Lake Malawi, Protomelas annectens is a mid-sized haplochromine cichlid that tends to hang around other large sand-dwelling cichlids. Not out of social affiliation, but opportunism. It has a knack for tracking anything that stirs up sediment, darting in to pick off whatever invertebrates or food particles get disturbed in the process. This foraging strategy means it's naturally drawn to activity on the substrate, which makes it an animated and engaging fish to watch in a well-arranged aquarium. In the wild it's most commonly encountered at around 30 feet down, though it gravitates toward shallower sandy zones rather than the rocky mbuna habitat. In the aquarium it fits best in a Lake Malawi community setup alongside other peaceful-to-moderately-assertive haplochromines. As an omnivore it's not fussy about food. It will accept most prepared and frozen offerings readily. The intermediate care rating reflects the typical demands of Malawi cichlid keeping: stable alkaline water and enough space to establish territories without constant conflict. At up to nearly eight inches, adults do need room to move, so a 55-gallon tank is really a minimum rather than a comfortable long-term home.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Chunky Hap
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Chunky Hap get?
- The Chunky Hap reaches about 4.5–8" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Chunky Hap need?
- A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for the Chunky Hap.
- What water parameters does the Chunky Hap need?
- The Chunky Hap does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 7–8.5, hardness around 8–25 dGH.
- Is the Chunky Hap aggressive?
- The Chunky Hap is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Chunky Hap eat?
- The Chunky Hap is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Chunky Hap live?
- With good care, the Chunky Hap typically lives 5-8 years.