An attractive and relatively peaceful 'Hap' from Lake Malawi. As its common name suggests, it is naturally found in deeper waters over sandy substrates where it sifts for invertebrates. They are popular in 'all-male' Hap/Peacock community tanks due to their stunning blue coloration and mild temperament compared to Mbuna.
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) At a Glance
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Tank Requirements
Will Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Water Parameters
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Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Temperament & Compatibility
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males develop a brilliant pale to metallic blue body with prominent black vertical bars behind the gills. They are mildly territorial, especially when breeding, and are often kept as solitary showcase fish in all-male setups.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Blue Hap
Female
Females and juveniles display a drabber, silvery-grey or light brown coloration with faint barring. Considerably more peaceful. If breeding is desired, keep in harems (1 male to 3+ females).
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Care Guide Summary
The Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra), scientifically known as Placidochromis electra, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 16 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
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Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
How big does Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) get?
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) (Placidochromis electra) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 16 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) need?
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) peaceful or aggressive?
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) live alone?
Yes, Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
These plants pair well with Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Electric Blue Hap
Sciaenochromis fryeri
The Electric Blue Hap is a striking Lake Malawi cichlid. In the wild, they are specialized piscivores that hunt the fry of other cichlids among the rocks. Due to extreme sexual dimorphism, mature males develop a brilliant metallic blue coloration, while females remain a drab silver-brown. They are best kept in a large, hard-water aquarium either as a single showpiece male in an 'all-male' Hap/Peacock display, or as a single male with a harem of multiple females.
Sunset Hap
Dimidiochromis strigatus
A striking, large, open-water predator native to Lake Malawi. As its name implies, mature males develop a spectacular 'sunset' coloration with a blue head fading into a deep orange-red belly. They are pursuit/ambush predators and will readily consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (including small Mbuna). Best kept in an all-male Hap/Peacock display or in a harem (1 male to multiple females).
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cyrtocara moorii
A striking blue Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlid famous for the pronounced nuchal hump (head bump) that develops in mature adults, resembling a dolphin. They are benthopelagic micro-predators that naturally follow digging fish in the wild to catch stirred-up morsels. While relatively peaceful for an African Cichlid, they grow very large and require extensive swimming space and hard, alkaline water.
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis rhoadesii
A massive, apex-predator Haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. They are open-water pursuit predators characterized by an immense mouth and a distinct diagonal stripe across the body. Due to their enormous adult size and strictly piscivorous nature, they require massive aquariums and can only be housed with similarly large, robust species. Any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten.
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Otopharynx lithobates
A stunning Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlid. They are famously associated with the 'Zimbawe Rock' collection point. In the wild, they inhabit caves, and in the aquarium, they appreciate rockwork. Relatively peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, they do well in all-male Hap/Peacock displays or in species-specific harems.
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Exochochromis anagenys
A striking, large predatory haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for its torpedo-shaped body (fusiform), it is an open-water hunter that preys on smaller fish like mbuna. While highly predatory and requiring a massive tank, they are relatively mild-mannered toward tankmates too large to be swallowed. Conspecific males, however, are violently intolerant of one another.