Haplochromis sp. yellow belly 6 - (Haplochromis sp. yellow belly) — 6-7cm

Overview

The freshwater fish UK Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' (6–7 cm) is a small, colorful Ugandan haplochromine cichlid with active behavior and attractive yellow belly coloration. Available for sale UK through Tropical Fish Co, this rare African cichlid thrives in hard-water aquariums and brings vibrant color, personality, and fascinating breeding behavior to well-maintained East African biotope tanks.

Appearance

Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' reaches up to 6–7 cm in length and displays a compact, laterally compressed body with a bright yellow belly and darker blue-grey upper body. Males develop more intense coloration, with vivid yellow ventral areas and blue or green iridescence on the flanks and fins. Females are generally paler. The overall appearance is vibrant and attractive, especially in hard-water setups with good lighting.

Natural Habitat

This species is endemic to Uganda, East Africa, where it inhabits rocky shorelines, weedy areas, and intermediate zones of lakes with hard, alkaline water. In the wild, Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton, and organic matter. These environments are characterized by high oxygen saturation, stable temperatures, and abundant hiding places among rocks and vegetation.

Aquarium Setup

Provide a well-filtered aquarium of at least 120 litres with rockwork, caves, and hiding places to create territories. Use a sand or fine gravel substrate and arrange décor to provide visual barriers and open swimming space. Strong filtration and excellent water quality are essential. Moderate to bright lighting suits this species well and brings out full coloration.

Water Parameters

Maintain hard, alkaline water between 24–28°C with a pH of 7.2–8.5. Regular partial water changes (30–50% weekly) and excellent filtration are essential to keep water pristine and stable. This species is sensitive to poor water quality and parameter fluctuations, requiring consistent maintenance. Use cichlid salts or buffer to maintain appropriate hardness and pH if necessary.

Feeding

Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' is an omnivore. Offer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets, small frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia, and some vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods. Avoid overfeeding and use foods that support vibrant coloration. Feed once or twice daily, and remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Behaviour

This cichlid is semi-aggressive, active, and territorial, especially males during breeding. Males establish territories and may display aggression toward conspecifics and similar-looking species. Females are generally less aggressive but may become defensive when brooding. Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' is likely a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs and fry in their mouths after spawning.

Tank Mates

Ideal companions include other similarly sized, robust East African cichlids from the same water conditions. Avoid small fish that may be bullied or eaten, highly aggressive large cichlids, slow, long-finned fish, and very timid species. Choose tankmates that appreciate similar hard, alkaline conditions.

Breeding

Likely maternal mouthbrooder like other Haplochromis species. Provide a species tank or carefully managed community, with rockwork and stable water conditions; males may become territorial when breeding. Females brood eggs and fry in their mouths for 3–4 weeks. Fry are released when free-swimming and can be fed baby brine shrimp and finely crushed foods.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co UK, we supply healthy, acclimated Haplochromis sp. 'yellow belly' cichlids carefully selected for size, coloration, and vitality. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and conditioned before dispatch, ensuring you receive a robust, vibrant specimen ready to thrive in your aquarium. With expert care advice, secure packaging, and a commitment to quality, we make adding this rare and beautiful Ugandan cichlid to your collection straightforward and rewarding. Order today.