White Top Hara
Cynotilapia sp. "Hara" (Gallireya Reef form)
White Top Hara is a Lake Malawi mbuna commonly treated in the hobby as Cynotilapia sp. "Hara", a Gallireya Reef form known for active rock-dwelling behavior and crisp white-top male display. It is best kept with compatible mbuna in a rock-heavy, hard-water aquarium.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Gallireya Reef, Lake Malawi trade form.
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Natural Habitat: Cave-dwelling mbuna in rocky habitat.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males show the strongest white-top display, while females and juveniles are generally more subdued.
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Body Shape: Compact mbuna body built for active movement around rocks and caves.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a rock-structured aquarium with broken sightlines.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 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: Provide sand or fine substrate, extensive rockwork, caves, sight breaks, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
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Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
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Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
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Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
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Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display around rock territories and females hold eggs and fry in the mouth. Fry benefit from dense rock cover or a separate grow-out setup.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other compatible Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size and temperament.
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Avoid: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and highly aggressive mbuna in cramped tanks.
