Thick Skin Cichlid (Haplochromis sp. 44)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Lake Victoria. It is a "littoral zone" species that populates the shallow rocky bottoms rich in debris, rarely venturing into the open water.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Haplochromis sp. "44" (Thick Skin). It is a provisionally classified species (hence the number 44) and is considered one of the most brutal and well-known representatives of Victorian cichlids. Grows up to 12 cm (4.7 inches).

Social Behavior: Fierce, sociopathic and relentless. SP-44 males are proverbial for their unprecedented territorial hyper-aggressiveness. They will kill rivals and stress females to death if space is insufficient. Requires calculated over-stocking to dilute the violence.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Chromatically explosive. Dominant males have a bright green-gold back and the belly, including the lips, is brick red or blood orange, crossed by dark vertical bands. Females are dull, of a modest uniform olive-sand color.

Aquarium Setup: Do not try under 300 liters (120 cm / 4 feet / 80 gallons). Set up real uninterrupted walls of perforated rocks up to the surface to break the line-of-sight of the Alpha male. Mandatory piles of stones in which pursued females can take refuge.

Diet and Feeding: Opportunistic Carnivore/Omnivore. Absolutely voracious. In nature it scrapes debris and tears off small insects. In the aquarium it needs a base of cichlid pellets rich in spirulina, alternated with mysis and brine shrimp. Hunger is never a problem.

Water Quality: Extreme robustness. Requires African Great Lakes parameters: high hardness (GH 10-20), alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5) and 24-28°C (75-82°F) temperature. Intolerant to acidic water which causes loss of color and lethargy. Strong water movement.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Will kill or try to hybridize with any other Haplochromis. Keep only with equally brawling Malawi Mbuna capable of defending themselves (e.g. Pseudotropheus, Melanochromis) in overcrowded tanks with large filters, or strictly in a monospecific aquarium (Harem).

Aquarium Reproduction: Maternal Mouthbrooder. Guaranteed and lightning-fast reproduction if the female is not killed by the male during the brutal courtship. It is often necessary to catch the female with her mouth full (stripping) and isolate her to guarantee her survival after giving birth.

Risks and Diseases: The main cause of death in this species is murder perpetrated by the dominant male against submissive males or non-receptive females. From a pathological point of view, they border on immortality and rarely get sick.