Buccochromis nototaenia

Stripeback Hap

Classification

Cichlidae. Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Habitat

It inhabits waters just off the shorelines of the lake. These are typified by sandy substrates and are teeming with juveniles of other species. The Buccochromis prey on these, often driving them into shallower water where they are more easily picked off.

Maximum Standard Length

9″ (22.5cm) is the maximum recorded size but it may grow larger than this.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

It’s a very active species, so a tank measuring 48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 240 litres is the minimum you should consider. A bigger tank would probably be needed if you want to house it with other species.

Maintenance

Decor isn’t really important, as this is a pelagic roamer. Provide as much swimming space as possible, as it is capable of real bursts of speed. Rocky formations are not required but can be used if the tank contains other species that inhabit them. Filtration and tank maintenance need to be excellent on a tank containing fish of this size.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

pH: 7.5-8.8

Hardness: 10-25°H

Diet

Piscivorous by nature but adapts well to prepared foods in captivity. Offer a varied diet using a good quality cichlid pellet as staple, along with lots of meaty fare such as prawns, mussels, earthworms etc. Take care not to overfeed as it is a particularly greedy species.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

It’s not particularly aggressive with anything too large to fit in its mouth. Small fish will definitely end up on the menu. With the exception of Mbuna, it can be kept with most Lake Malawi species growing larger than around 6″. Conspecifics tend to be tolerated quite well, especially in roomy tanks.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult males are larger and more colourful than females.

Reproduction

Possibly not yet achieved in the hobby. It’s a maternal mouthbrooder.

NotesTop ↑

Rarely seen in the trade, as it is quite difficult to collect in nature. It retreats at great speed into deeper water at the first sign of threat. As with other members of its genus, it is a hunter, feeding mainly on smaller cichlids.