Fuscotaeniatus Hap, also known as Spothead Hap, is a type of cichlid fish found in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe.
It’s an ambush predator that feeds on smaller cichlids in its natural environment.
Fuscotaeniatus Haps are not very common but are found in shallow areas with plants or mixed sand-rock habitats. They usually live alone and eat small fish.
Fuscotaeniatus Haps are also available in the aquarium trade.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap Interesting Facts
- Fuscotaeniatus Haps are ambush predators found in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe, with males growing up to 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters) and females up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters).
- They prefer shallow habitats with plants or mixed sand-rock environments, thriving in water temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
- These cichlids reproduce through mouthbrooding and can easily breed in aquariums.
- Adult male Fuscotaeniatus Haps display blue coloring with orange highlights, while females have a white or yellow background color with dark blotches.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap Habitat
Fuscotaeniatus Hap is native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It’s mostly found in the southern part of the lake, with its northernmost habitat being Namalenje Island.
This freshwater fish lives close to the bottom of the lake, at depths ranging from 0 to 15 meters.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap prefers water temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C). It thrives in a tropical climate, specifically between latitudes of 12°S to 15°S.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Fuscotaeniatus Hap Physical Characteristics
Size: 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters)
Male Fuscotaeniatus Hap grows up to up to 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters) long, while females grow up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters).
This fish has a long body with an irregular blotchy pattern. It doesn’t have spots on its pectoral fins.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap’s lower jaw is quite large and makes up almost half of its head length. It has strong, single-pointed teeth that curve inward.
There are 3 to 4 rows of scales on the cheek. The gill-rakers are short and sturdy.
Coloration
- Adult territorial males are blue with orange highlights on their scales and fins.
- Females have a white or yellow background color with dark blotches; their fins are grey.
- Immature and non-territorial males have colors in between female and adult male patterns.
- In preserved specimens, there are four series of blotches along the body, which may form horizontal bands.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap Reproduction
Fuscotaeniatus Hap reproduces by mouthbrooding and breeds easily in aquariums.
Fuscotaeniatus Hap Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Nimbochromis |
| Scientific Name: | Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus |
| Also Known As: | Fuscotaeniatus Hap, Spothead Hap |
| Conservation Status: | Vulnerable |