Brownae Hap

About

Found along the wave-battered sandy and shingle beaches of Lake Victoria, Haplochromis brownae is one of the many endemic cichlids that evolved in that remarkable East African lake. This species occupies a niche that few fish would choose. Shoreline habitat that faces the full force of wave action, which gives you a sense of the robust, active nature these fish tend to have. It is a dedicated carnivore in the wild, hunting small fish, so tankmates need to be chosen with care. Anything small enough to be considered a meal is at risk, and even similarly sized fish may face aggression given the territorial tendencies typical of Victorian haplochromines. A 55-gallon tank is a reasonable starting point, though more space is always welcome with cichlids that have this kind of energy. The alkaline, moderately hard water conditions of Lake Victoria should be replicated faithfully. This is not a fish that does well in soft, acidic setups. Keepers with some cichlid experience will find Haplochromis brownae a rewarding project, particularly anyone interested in the conservation angle, since many Victorian cichlids face serious pressure in the wild from introduced species and habitat change.