Eastern Happy

Astatotilapia calliptera is a generalist hap that is not tied only to the rocky or sandy zones of Lake Malawi; it lives along shallow, vegetated shores, in lagoons, in small surrounding lakes and in rivers. Depending on the population, males are yellow, greenish or metallic blue in tone with red-edged fins; females are a plain silvery brown. It is frequently studied in scientific work trying to understand the evolution of the hundreds of cichlid species in the lake. In the aquarium it is hardy and breeds easily.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm in length for a harem.
• Sand substrate, rock groups and sturdy plants (Anubias, Vallisneria); it may pick at soft plants.
• Moderately hard to hard, slightly alkaline water (pH 7.2–8.5); it adapts to a wider range of parameters than other Malawi species.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–40% water changes.

Omnivorous; in the wild it feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and plant fragments. A quality cichlid pellet should be the staple; it is varied with spirulina-based food and frozen brine shrimp and mysis.

Males claim an area and are territorial toward other males; they also court the females constantly. It may eat small fish and fry that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: calm Malawi haps and Aulonocara species of similar size (in different colors), Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: aggressive mbuna, small community fish, shrimp, snails; females of similarly colored haps because of the risk of hybridization.