Advanced
Yellow Lepturus Cichlid (Buccochromis rhoadesii)
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
£48.99
A rare Lake Malawi predator hap for experienced keepers with large, hard-water aquariums and carefully chosen robust tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Aristochromis christyi
Aristochromis christyi bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A rare Lake Malawi predator hap for experienced keepers with large, hard-water aquariums and carefully chosen robust tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Aristochromis christyi, often called the Malawi Hawk Cichlid or Christy's hap, is a specialist Lake Malawi predator for experienced cichlid keepers. It is not a community fish and should be planned as a centrepiece for a large, hard-water Malawi aquarium with open swimming space, strong filtration and robust tank mates.
This listing covers young fish available in size variants, so they may look manageable at dispatch, but adults become powerful, long-bodied predators. Plan the adult aquarium before ordering rather than buying for the current juvenile size.
Aristochromis christyi comes from Lake Malawi, where it is associated with rocky and intermediate habitats. Its slender profile and hunting behaviour make it one of the more distinctive predatory haps. In the aquarium it will cruise, watch and strike at smaller fish, so tank mates must be too large to swallow and confident enough for a Malawi predator setup.
Settled fish can become impressive display animals, especially mature males, but their confidence depends on space and stable conditions. Cramped tanks, nervous tank mates or frequent rearranging can make this species harder to settle.
Use a long aquarium of at least 500 litres for long-term care, with a bigger footprint strongly preferred for adult males or mixed hap communities. Keep the layout open through the centre with rockwork at the back and sides for visual breaks. Stable hard, alkaline water is essential: aim for 24-28C, pH 7.5-8.5 and roughly 10-25 dGH. Powerful biological filtration, high oxygenation and regular water changes matter more than heavy decoration.
Feed as a carnivorous Malawi cichlid. A quality large-cichlid pellet or stick should form the staple diet, supported by measured portions of frozen foods such as mysis, krill, chopped prawn or similar meaty foods. Avoid live feeder fish because they add unnecessary disease and injury risk. Keep portions controlled; a large predator in warm water can quickly pollute the aquarium if overfed.
Choose large Malawi haps, sturdy peacocks and suitable Synodontis catfish that share hard-water conditions. Avoid small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, shrimp, delicate bottom dwellers and any fish narrow enough to be eaten. Males can be assertive, so space and stocking balance are important.
Select the size variant that best matches your existing stock. Smaller juveniles are easier to grow on but should not be mixed with established predators that may bully or outcompete them. Larger juveniles need the adult plan even sooner.
On arrival, keep lights low, acclimate slowly and release the fish into a mature aquarium with stable Malawi-style water. Avoid heavy feeding on day one. Once settled, feed small measured meals and watch body condition rather than trying to force rapid growth.
Order only for a mature, fully cycled aquarium with suitable water already prepared. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 where eligible, and livestock orders are packed carefully for our licensed live-animal courier service with Live Arrival Guarantee terms.
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.6 · 450L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 250L
22–28°C · pH 6.8–8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 6.5–8 · 350L
22–28°C · pH 6–8 · 450L
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 150L
24–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
28–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 300L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L