Marginatus "Turquoise Hap" (On Sale 35% Off at Checkout)

Turquoise Hap

Protomelas marginatus

The Turquoise Hap is a larger Lake Malawi hap known for attractive blue-green male color and an active display presence. It is best suited to spacious Malawi aquariums with other haps and peacocks that can handle a mildly aggressive adult male.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Lake Malawi.
• Natural Habitat: Lake Malawi shoreline habitats.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 8-10 inches.
• Coloration: Mature males are known for turquoise-blue display color; females and juveniles are typically more muted.
• Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body with an active swimming profile.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Malawi haps and peacocks in a tank with room for territories and display behavior.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are better for adult males and mixed hap groups.
• Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room with rockwork for cover and broken sightlines. Use strong filtration and maintain stable Malawi water conditions.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Notes: Males display to females and defend preferred areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and released fry should be protected from adults.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks.
• Avoid: Small fish, delicate community fish, and extremely aggressive species that may dominate the tank.