A stunning but highly aggressive cichlid originating from the Lake Victoria basin. Known in the hobby as 'CH44', they are famous for the male's intense coloration featuring red, yellow, and blue with distinct black vertical barring. Due to their extreme territoriality, they require a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork (caves) to break line of sight, and must be kept in specific male-to-female ratios.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) At a Glance
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Tank Requirements
Will Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Water Parameters
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Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Temperament & Compatibility
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Showcases brilliant, multi-colored scaling (red top, yellow/green body, blue hints, and thick vertical black bars). Exceptionally aggressive towards other males and relentless in pursuing females. Must be kept as a single male with a harem of 3+ females, or in a carefully heavily-stocked, over-filtered all-male cichlid tank to disperse aggression.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Dominant Male, Colored Hap
Female
Females are slightly smaller and carry a drab, silvery-brown or grey coloration with faint vertical bars. A harem of females is required to distract the male and prevent him from singling out and killing a single mate.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile, Subdominant
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Care Guide Summary
The Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin), scientifically known as Haplochromis sp. 44, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as 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 Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. 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.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin), 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, 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.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
240 Liter (120cm Standard)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin)
How big does Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) get?
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) (Haplochromis sp. 44) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) need?
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) peaceful or aggressive?
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) live alone?
No, Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin)
These plants pair well with Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin) 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
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin)
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Pundamilia nyererei
A strikingly colorful but highly aggressive cichlid native to Lake Victoria. Known for their brilliant reds, yellows, and black vertical barring (in males). They require rocky setups, hard alkaline water, and strict harem ratios (one male to multiple females) to disperse severe male aggression. They act very similar to Mbuna in the aquarium.
Horei Cichlid
Ctenochromis horei
A robust and highly aggressive haplochromine cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its striking coloration and dynamic, albeit violent, territorial behavior. Adults are opportunistic predators and piscivores. They are maternal mouthbrooders, and males are fiercely intolerant of other males. They require hard, alkaline water.
Christmas Fulu
Xystichromis phytophagus
A critically endangered African cichlid (extinct in Lake Victoria, now found primarily in Lake Kanyaboli) famous for the male's festive red, green, and blue colors. Like many Victorian haplochromines, they are active, aggressive, and best kept in rock-scaped tanks with hard, alkaline water. They are harem breeders and require a strict male-to-female ratio to manage aggression.
Ruby Green Hap
Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green'
A stunning, highly endangered cichlid from the Lake Victoria basin (specifically Lake Nawampasa). They are renowned for their intense split coloration. Like most Victorian cichlids, they are maternal mouthbrooders with high levels of conspecific aggression, requiring a rocky, hard-water setup with a strict harem ratio.
Livingston's Cichlid
Nimbochromis livingstonii
A large, highly predatory African cichlid (Haplochromine) from Lake Malawi. Famous for its unique ambush hunting strategy called thanatosis: it lies flat on the sand substrate pretending to be dead to lure small fish, then snaps them up. They require hard, alkaline water, a very large tank, and a sandy substrate to exhibit natural behaviors. Anything that fits in its mouth will be eaten.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.