−11%
Moderate to advanced
Livingston's Hap (Nimbochromis livingstonii)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 400L
£7.11£7.99
A large Lake Malawi sand-zone hap with metallic copper markings, sand-sifting behaviour and specialist open-swimming cichlid needs.
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.
Fossorochromis rostratus
Copper Rostratus Hap bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A large Lake Malawi sand-zone hap with metallic copper markings, sand-sifting behaviour and specialist open-swimming cichlid needs.
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.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Copper Rostratus Hap is a large Lake Malawi sand-zone cichlid best planned as Fossorochromis rostratus. It is sometimes still seen under the older trade name Haplochromis rostratus, but the care target is the same: a spacious, hard-water aquarium with open sand and room for a strong, active fish to move naturally.
This is not a small community cichlid and it is not a Lake Victoria hap. Choose it for a serious Malawi hap setup where adult size, swimming space, sand-sifting behaviour and tank-mate strength have all been planned before purchase.
| Scientific name | Fossorochromis rostratus |
|---|---|
| Older trade name | Haplochromis rostratus |
| Natural range | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Adult size | Up to about 24.4 cm total length |
| Minimum aquarium | 500 litres or larger, with a long footprint preferred |
| Temperature | 24-26C |
| pH | 7.2-8.8 |
| Hardness | 10-18 dGH |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive; best with robust, similarly sized Malawi cichlids |
| Diet | Carnivorous/insectivorous foods with quality cichlid pellets |
The sale size may be 4-5 cm, but the adult fish is much larger. The important care decision is adult housing, not the juvenile size on arrival. This restored listing keeps the useful product context while removing forced search phrases and correcting the hidden care data that previously understated adult size and tank requirements.
Fossorochromis rostratus is associated with sandy areas of Lake Malawi. In the wild it is reported over sand in shallow beach zones, where it searches the substrate for insect larvae, small crustaceans and other invertebrates. That natural history matters in the aquarium: it wants open floor space, a sand or fine-gravel substrate and room to turn without constantly crashing through heavy rockwork.
Many Malawi cichlid layouts are built as dense rock piles. That can work for mbuna, but it is not ideal for this species. Keep rock structure mainly to the sides or back, leaving a broad open area across the front and centre. The page should sell the fish honestly: the beauty is in the copper markings, confident swimming and sand-zone behaviour, not in forcing it into a small decorative tank.
Use at least 500 litres for a long-term adult setup, with a longer tank preferred over a tall, narrow one. A group, a mature male, or a mixed Malawi hap community will benefit from more space. Juveniles can look manageable in a shop bag, but a cramped adult setup increases stress, chasing, poor colour and injury risk.
Choose fine sand or smooth fine gravel, strong filtration and high oxygenation. Add rocks for boundaries and sight breaks, but avoid filling the entire aquarium with sharp rockwork. This is a fast, active cichlid and should be able to accelerate, sift and patrol without repeated collisions.
Keep the aquarium hard, alkaline and stable. Aim for 24-26C, pH 7.2-8.8 and moderate to hard mineral content. Stability is more important than chasing a perfect number every day. Regular water changes, steady carbonate hardness and a mature filter are especially important because large cichlids eat heavily and produce meaningful waste.
If your tap water is soft or acidic, plan the mineral strategy before the fish arrives. Malawi cichlid buffers, aragonite-based substrate, or appropriate mineral salts can help, but sudden swings are worse than a steady, suitable range.
Feed a varied carnivorous/insectivorous diet. A quality cichlid pellet can be the base, supported by frozen or live foods such as mysis, krill, brine shrimp, daphnia and insect larvae. Small portions fed consistently are better than heavy feeds that pollute the water.
Avoid relying on fatty mammal meats or unsuitable high-fat foods. The goal is strong growth, clear eyes, full colour and active behaviour without bloating or poor water quality. Observe the fish at feeding time; a healthy Rostratus Hap should show confident, alert feeding behaviour once settled.
Best tank mates are robust Lake Malawi haps and other open-water African cichlids of similar size and temperament. It can also work with suitable Synodontis catfish in a large Malawi-style aquarium. Tank mates should be large enough not to be treated as food and calm enough not to create constant fighting.
Avoid small fish, shrimp, delicate long-finned fish, peaceful community species, soft-water species and cramped mbuna-heavy layouts. Overly aggressive tank mates can also be a problem because they force this active sand-zone fish into hiding or panicked swimming.
The trade name Copper Rostratus Hap reflects the warm metallic tones that can develop as the fish matures. Juveniles are usually subtler, with a sandy base and darker patterning, while mature males can become much more impressive. Good colour depends on space, diet, social balance and clean water, not only genetics.
For the best display, use a light sand bed, darker background, open swimming lane and edge rockwork. The fish then reads clearly in the aquarium and its body shape, markings and confident movement become the visual feature.
This is a haplochromine cichlid and is treated as a maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding plans need a large aquarium, stable water, good conditioning and careful group management. Dominant males may display strongly, and weaker fish need enough space to move away without being pinned into a corner.
Do not buy this species only because it is small today. Buy it because you want to keep a large, impressive Malawi sand-zone cichlid properly as it grows.
Copper Rostratus Hap suits keepers with a large Malawi aquarium, mature filtration and a preference for open-water haps rather than small community fish. It is a strong candidate for a spacious display where the aquascape leaves open sand and the stocking plan is built around adult fish.
It is not the right choice for nano aquariums, beginner community tanks, soft-water planted aquariums or small mixed tanks with delicate fish. If your current aquarium is below the long-term size target, plan the upgrade first.
Check the current livestock delivery page before ordering so you understand dispatch timing, weather holds, packing rules and delivery terms for live fish. The product page should help you choose the right fish; the delivery page carries the current operational detail.
The older trade name Haplochromis rostratus is still seen, but this listing uses the current care anchor Fossorochromis rostratus.
Plan for an adult around 24.4 cm total length. The small size supplied is a juvenile sale size, not the final adult size.
Use 500 litres or larger for long-term care, with a long footprint, open sand and strong filtration.
It is usually better with larger Malawi haps and open-water cichlids. A cramped, aggressive mbuna rock pile is not the right layout for this sand-zone species.
Use quality cichlid pellets plus suitable meaty/invertebrate foods such as mysis, krill, brine shrimp, daphnia and insect larvae.
This listing was checked against FishBase for size and water ranges, Seriously Fish for aquarium-layout warnings, and Greater Chicago Cichlid Association care notes for sand substrate and large-tank guidance.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 400L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.6 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 200L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
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
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
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
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L