Verduya´s hap (Copadichromis trimaculatus) — 4-5cm

Overview

Verduya's Hap, scientifically known as Copadichromis trimaculatus, is a graceful open-water Malawi hap with shimmering colour, peaceful behaviour, and active shoaling habits that thrive in spacious African cichlid aquariums. Available for freshwater fish UK, this species reaches up to 12cm in length and requires a tank of at least 250 litres. Endemic to Lake Malawi, Verduya's Hap is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking peaceful, active planktivores with engaging group dynamics.

Appearance

A streamlined, elegant fish with shimmering metallic colours. Males display vivid blues, silvers, and iridescent highlights. Females are more subdued. The body is sleek and adapted for open-water swimming.

Natural Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania in open-water areas. This species occurs in open water, sometimes forming large shoals. Lake Malawi is known for its hard, alkaline water.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 250 litres is recommended. Use fine sand substrate, provide plenty of open swimming space plus rock cover. Filtration must be excellent. Maintain hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.6).

Feeding

Planktivore / micro-predator. Offer quality cichlid pellets or small floating foods, supplemented with frozen/live zooplankton foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, and daphnia. Vegetable matter is not necessary.

Behaviour

Peaceful, active shoaling fish that thrive in groups. Males display and defend spawning sites, then females incubate eggs in the mouth.

Tank Mates

Suitable: other peaceful Malawi haps of similar size, Copadichromis species, Aulonocara species, Placidochromis species, Synodontis species. Avoid highly aggressive Mbuna, overly territorial cichlids, small fish, fin-nipping species, and very large predatory cichlids.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooder. Males display and defend a spawning site, then females incubate the eggs in the mouth for about 3 weeks. Provide a harem-style group and flat spawning areas.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co offers healthy Verduya's Hap with expert guidance on hap cichlid care. With secure packaging and reliable delivery, we make it easy to buy tropical fish for sale UK with confidence.