Electra Blue Hongi Island
Placidochromis sp. “electra blue Hongi”
Electra Blue Hongi Island is a rare Lake Malawi hap selected for blue male color and a more refined deep-water look. It brings a cleaner, sleeker presence than many bulky haps while still fitting well in a hard-water peacock and hap display.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop stronger blue color while females and juveniles remain more subdued silver-blue.
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Body Shape: Streamlined hap body with a laterally compressed profile built for active open-water movement.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Hongi Island is in northern Lake Malawi on the Tanzanian side of the lake, close to Hongi Rocks, Hongi, and Lipingo Rock (Mbahwa Island).
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Natural Habitat: Sandy substrates in the northern and north-eastern part of Lake Malawi, often near sand-sifting cichlids but not observed closely following them.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Hongi Island include Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 'Hongi Island', Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Hongi Island', Chindongo elongatus 'Hongi Island', and Chindongo elongatus 'Hongi Rocks'.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best with peacocks and haps of similar size in a spacious aquarium.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Use sand, open swimming space, stable rockwork, caves or ledges, sight breaks, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display to females and females mouthbrood eggs and fry. Fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Lake Malawi peacocks and peaceful to moderately assertive haps.
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Avoid: Very aggressive mbuna, large predators, tiny community fish, and tanks without open swimming room.
Conservation Status
The Placidochromis sp. 'electra blue' species are listed by CARES as Vulnerable. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.
