Malawi hap - fish identification

RD.

Gold Tier VIP
MFK Member
May 9, 2007
13,124
12,384
3,360
64
Northwest Canada
Generally speaking hormones = Asian imports, so other than speculation hard to say what it's genetic make up is. A classic example of why I never buy from shops that sell juiced fish, or fish that don't come with proper Latin names, if not also provenance that leads back to the wild. Good luck.
 

krichardson

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2006
27,561
14,450
480
Datnoid Island
I'm just guessing, "Malawi Trout" Champsochromis Caeruleus.
The fish is definitely not a Champsochromis.....my all time favorite of the Malawi Haps.
1_1ea0ad90-bb12-4b52-941f-6938977e8d96_700x.jpeg
pulled this image from online for comparison.
Whatever it is it is one beautiful looking cichlid.
 

Wharf

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Jan 19, 2018
439
525
115
47
Pasadena
I am going to just throw it out there maybe a Promotmelas Steveni Imperial "blue gold" that is super juiced...however the fins look a little different...Most likely a hybrid...but its a stunner.
 
  • Like
Reactions: twentyleagues

GVerde

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 21, 2011
157
43
61
Chicago
It looks like a hybrid to me. It is not a champ, as I have 3 males 8-10" in my 220g. I have a male adult promelas ornatus also which doesn't look like your fish. They are more deep wide bodied with a different looking face, more pointed mouth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Adam GR

krichardson

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2006
27,561
14,450
480
Datnoid Island
It looks like a hybrid to me. It is not a champ, as I have 3 males 8-10" in my 220g. I have a male adult promelas ornatus also which doesn't look like your fish. They are more deep wide bodied with a different looking face, more pointed mouth.
Do you have any photos of your Champs? I'd like to see those bad boys.
 

Adam GR

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 14, 2018
190
144
51
40
Jersey, Channel Islands
Hi guys, just a quick update on that fish.
He is somewhere between 4-5 inches, he predictably lost his colour due to larger tank mates but looks like there is lots of character in him so I have hopes to see him back with colour.

In my opinion this fish is - Protomelas Hertae
730B3738-2753-4069-92DD-0D653407E88F.jpeg9EA822C1-35AF-4AC4-A8C7-8D626355708D.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stephen St.Clair
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store