Slender Tail hap

Elegant, sleek, and beautifully coloured — the Slender Tail Hap (Cyrtocara sp. / Copadichromis sp.) is a graceful Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid prized for its slender, streamlined body form and attractive colouration. A more elegant and refined alternative to the bulkier Malawi haps, the Slender Tail Hap brings a different silhouette and graceful movement to the African cichlid aquarium.

Overview

Appearance

The Slender Tail Hap displays a more elongated, streamlined body form compared to most Malawi haps, with a graceful, slender profile that gives this fish an elegant, almost torpedo-like silhouette. Males display attractive blue to blue-silver colouration with subtle markings, while females are more subdued. The slender body and graceful movement make this fish a distinctive and elegant addition to any Malawi aquarium.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 76 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.8 – 8.5
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons
• Substrate: Sand; rock formations for territory
• Decor: Rock caves and open swimming space

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets
• Treats: Frozen brine shrimp, krill, and daphnia

Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept with other Lake Malawi haplochromine and Peacock cichlids. Avoid very aggressive Mbuna. Keep one male per species.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooders. Females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks.

The Slender Tail Hap is an elegant and graceful cichlid that brings a distinctive silhouette and refined beauty to any Lake Malawi aquarium.