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.
Ruby Green Hap At a Glance
Ruby Green Hap Tank Requirements
Will Ruby Green Hap fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Ruby Green Hap needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Ruby Green Hap against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Ruby Green Hap Water Parameters
Water care products
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Ruby Green Hap Temperament & Compatibility
Ruby Green Hap Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Boasts intense two-tone coloration: a deep ruby-red anterior and a vibrant emerald-green posterior. Highly territorial, especially toward other males or similarly colored cichlids. Strict harem ratios (1 male to 3+ females) are required.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Breeding Male
Female
Drab silver, grey, or light brownish-olive. Females form the core of the harem and disperse the male's relentless breeding harassment. Essential for a stable Victorian cichlid community.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Harem Female, Unsexed Juvenile
Ruby Green Hap Care Guide Summary
The Ruby Green Hap, scientifically known as Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green', belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 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 Ruby Green Hap requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°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 Ruby Green Hap 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.
Ruby Green Hap Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Ruby Green Hap, 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 an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Ruby Green Hap Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Ruby Green Hap 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.
Ruby Green Hap Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Ruby Green Hap.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Green Hap
How big does Ruby Green Hap get?
Ruby Green Hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green') typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Ruby Green Hap need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Ruby Green Hap. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Ruby Green Hap need?
Ruby Green Hap thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Ruby Green Hap peaceful or aggressive?
Ruby Green Hap is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Ruby Green Hap live alone?
No, Ruby Green Hap should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Ruby Green Hap have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Ruby Green Hap benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Ruby Green Hap
These plants pair well with Ruby Green Hap 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
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Ruby Green Hap
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.
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.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin)
Haplochromis sp. 44
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.
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.
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.
Azureus Cichlid
Copadichromis azureus
A stunning open-water 'Utaka' cichlid from Lake Malawi. Males develop a spectacular metallic blue coloration, making them popular centerpieces in African Cichlid tanks. Compared to rock-dwelling Mbuna, they are relatively peaceful open-water swimmers but still require ample swimming space and hard, alkaline water.