Chrysogaster Hap
Naevochromis chrysogaster
The Chrysogaster Hap is a Lake Malawi hap with a larger adult size and an active, confident personality. It is a good candidate for spacious Malawi hap aquariums where fish have room to swim, display, and maintain comfortable spacing.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi.
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Natural Habitat: Shallow water.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 8-10 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males develop stronger adult display coloration; females and juveniles are generally more muted.
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Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body built for steady swimming in open areas.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with other similar-sized Lake Malawi haps in a spacious aquarium with enough room to reduce constant conflict.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are preferred for adult groups.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide open swimming space, sand, and rockwork for structure and visual breaks. Strong filtration and stable water quality are important.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may defend breeding space. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks.
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Avoid: Small fish, delicate community fish, and extremely aggressive species that may dominate the tank.
