Easy
Haplochromis fryeri
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
£12.99
A large Lake Malawi polystigma cichlid for specialist predator or large hap aquariums, best planned around adult size, robust filtration and hard alkaline water.
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.
Nimbochromis polystigma
Polystigma Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A large Lake Malawi polystigma cichlid for specialist predator or large hap aquariums, best planned around adult size, robust filtration and hard alkaline water.
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
Polystigma Cichlid is best treated as Nimbochromis polystigma, the current name for the fish still listed by some suppliers under the older Haplochromis polystigma name. It needs the care plan of a large Lake Malawi predator, with a strong feeding response, territorial behaviour and an adult size that calls for a spacious specialist aquarium.
Choose this fish for a mature Malawi predator or large hap setup, not for a mixed peaceful community. It suits keepers who can provide hard, alkaline water, open swimming room, robust filtration and tank mates large enough not to be viewed as food.
Keep Polystigma Cichlids in clean, mineral-rich Malawi-style water with a sand base, open swimming lanes and rockwork arranged as visual breaks. The aquarium should be long enough for adult cruising space and heavily filtered enough to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Avoid cramped tanks: previous care notes understated the adult size and the space needed.
Tank mates should be other robust Malawi haps or similarly sized cichlids that tolerate the same hard-water conditions. Do not mix with small tetras, guppies, dwarf cichlids, delicate catfish or slow peaceful fish. Juveniles may look manageable, but the stocking plan needs to be based on adult size and adult behaviour.
This species is a predator. Offer quality carnivore cichlid pellets as the staple, supported with frozen mysis, krill, mussel, prawn pieces and other suitable meaty foods. Avoid feeder fish and avoid heavy mammal or bird meats. Feed controlled portions and keep the water clean, because large predatory cichlids produce a heavy waste load.
Orders are packed for livestock transport with insulated packaging and oxygenated bags. We use a licensed live-animal courier and cover eligible orders with our Live Arrival Guarantee, provided the delivery and acclimation steps are followed.
No. It is a predatory Malawi cichlid for large specialist setups with robust tank mates.
That is an older trade synonym. The current accepted name used for care planning is Nimbochromis polystigma.
Plan for an adult fish around 20-23 cm, with enough tank length and filtration for a large cichlid.
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