Lethrinops Sp. Gold Harbour Monkey Bay
Lethrinops sp. "Gold Harbour"
Lethrinops Sp. Gold Harbour Monkey Bay is a peaceful Lake Malawi sand-dwelling hap with subtle body shape and attractive mature male color. It is best for a calmer peacock and hap aquarium where it will not be crowded out by aggressive tank mates.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the strongest display color, while females and juveniles remain more subdued.
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Body Shape: Slender sand-sifting hap body with a streamlined profile.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Monkey Bay is in southern Lake Malawi on the Malawi-side southern or southeastern shore, close to Thumbi East Island, Harbour Island, and Coco Bay.
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Natural Habitat: This Lake Malawi bay points to a habitat shaped by rock structure, sand-rock edges, and nearby open water.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Monkey Bay include Aulonocara gertrudae 'Monkey Bay', Aulonocara sp. 'copper' Monkey Bay, Aulonocara sp. 'green' Monkey Bay, and Aulonocara sp. 'minutus' Monkey Bay.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Peaceful to mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with peaceful Lake Malawi haps and peacocks, with space for males to display.
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 substrate, open bottom space, some rockwork for 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 over open sandy areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Peaceful to moderately assertive Lake Malawi haps and peacocks.
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Avoid: Aggressive mbuna, large predators, and dominant haps that may outcompete it.
