Deep Water Hap
Placidochromis electra
A sand-sifting Malawi hap gentle enough to keep with Aulonocara and Copadichromis.
About
The Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is one of those Lake Malawi cichlids that tends to surprise people expecting typical hap aggression. Despite the listed temperament, experienced keepers generally describe it as one of the more easygoing fish in the hap group. Peaceful with tankmates and only mildly territorial when spawning. The common name is a bit of a historical artifact, coming from the mistaken early belief that this fish lived exclusively in very deep water. In reality, it favors sandy habitats around Likoma Island and other parts of Lake Malawi, typically at moderate depths, where it follows larger substrate-digging species and picks through the clouds of sediment they kick up, hunting invertebrates and other small food items. That feeding behavior is worth knowing before you set up a tank for it. Open sandy areas are important, not just for aesthetics but because this fish genuinely uses them. It is not a good fit for a mbuna community, where the roughhousing would stress it out, but it does well alongside Aulonocara and other relaxed Malawian species. Multiple color forms exist across the lake, and mixing them in the same aquarium is a bad idea since they will hybridize. Breeding is achievable for intermediate keepers. It is a maternal mouthbrooder, and running a group with more females than males is the standard approach.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Deep Water Hap
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Deep Water Hap get?
- The Deep Water Hap reaches about 3–6" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Deep Water Hap need?
- A minimum of 53 gallons is recommended for the Deep Water Hap.
- What water parameters does the Deep Water Hap need?
- The Deep Water Hap does best with a temperature of 74–82°F, a pH of 7.5–8.8, hardness around 8–25 dGH.
- Is the Deep Water Hap aggressive?
- The Deep Water Hap is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Deep Water Hap eat?
- The Deep Water Hap is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Deep Water Hap live?
- With good care, the Deep Water Hap typically lives 5-8 years.