Why is it called the Star Sapphire?

Adult male Placidochromis phenochilus develop an extraordinary iridescent blue colouration covered in glittering white-blue spots — resembling stars scattered across a sapphire gemstone. This colouration develops gradually as the fish matures, with dominant males displaying the most intense colour.

Is the Star Sapphire Hap a Mbuna?

No — the Star Sapphire is a Haplochromine (Hap), which is a separate group of Lake Malawi cichlids from Mbuna. Haps are open-water and sand-dwelling species that are less aggressive than rock-dwelling Mbuna. They need more swimming space and should be kept with other Haps and Peacocks.

What size tank does a Star Sapphire Hap need?

A minimum of 300 litres. This is a 16 cm Haplochromine that needs significant open swimming space. Provide sandy areas and some rock formations, but keep the centre open. Malawi water parameters: pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 10-25 dGH, 24-28°C.

Can I keep Star Sapphire Haps with Mbuna?

Generally not recommended. Aggressive Mbuna species will bully the more peaceable Star Sapphire. Keep with other Haps, Peacock cichlids, and Synodontis catfish for best results.

Placidochromis phenochilus

Star Sapphire Hap (Placidochromis Phenochilus) - Iridescent Blue-Spotted Haplochromine from Lake Malawi

Name: Star Sapphire Hap (Placidochromis Phenochilus) - Iridescent Blue-Spotted Haplochromine from Lake Malawi
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: KF55
Price: 21.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Semi-Aggressive

£21.99 – £29.99In Stock

Size

The Star Sapphire Hap (Placidochromis phenochilus) is one of the most stunning Haplochromine cichlids from Lake Malawi. Males develop an extraordinary iridescent blue colouration covered in glittering white-blue spots — like stars scattered across a sapphire sky. Endemic to the northern parts of Lake Malawi, this species grows to 16 cm and makes a spectacular centrepiece for large Malawi setups.

African CichlidHaplochromineLake MalawiMouthbrooderPlacidochromis Phenochilussite:tropical-fish-coStar Sapphire Hap

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Placidochromis phenochilus

Adult Size

16 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

300L

Diet

Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, spirulina flakes

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

7.5–8.5

7.5Ideal Range8.5

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal Range25 dGH

The Star Sapphire Hap (Placidochromis phenochilus) is one of the most stunning Haplochromine cichlids from Lake Malawi. Males develop an extraordinary iridescent blue colouration covered in glittering white-blue spots — like stars scattered across a sapphire sky. Endemic to the northern parts of Lake Malawi, this species grows to 16 cm and makes a spectacular centrepiece for large Malawi aquariums.

Care at a Glance

Parameter	Value
Scientific Name	Placidochromis phenochilus
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Lake Malawi, East Africa (northern)
Care Level	Moderate
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Adult Size	16 cm
Minimum Tank	300 litres
Temperature	24 – 28 °C
pH	7.5 – 8.5
Hardness	10 – 25 dGH
Diet	Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, spirulina flakes
Lifespan	Up to 10 years

Origin & Natural Habitat

Placidochromis phenochilus is endemic to the northern parts of Lake Malawi, where it inhabits sandy and intermediate zones near the shoreline. Unlike rock-dwelling Mbuna, Haplochromine cichlids (Haps) are open-water and sand-dwelling species that require more swimming space. The name ‘phenochilus’ refers to the enlarged lips of this species, which it uses to sift food from sandy substrates.

Haps vs Mbuna vs Peacocks

Lake Malawi cichlids fall into three main groups: Mbuna (rock-dwelling, aggressive, herbivorous), Haps (open-water, semi-aggressive, omnivorous), and Peacocks (sand-dwelling Aulonocara, gentle, omnivorous). The Star Sapphire is a Hap — it needs more space than Mbuna, is less aggressive, and should be kept with other Haps and Peacocks rather than aggressive Mbuna.

Tank Setup

Provide at least 300 litres with open swimming space and sandy areas. Add some rock formations along the back and sides but leave the centre open. Maintain 24 to 28 °C, pH 7.5 to 8.5, hardness 10 to 25 dGH. Keep 1 male with 2–3 females.

Feeding Guide

Omnivorous; feed high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, krill, and spirulina flakes. In the wild, P. phenochilus uses its enlarged lips to sift invertebrates from sandy substrates. Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatible Tank Mates

Best with other Malawi Haps and Peacock cichlids. See our Lwanda Peacock Cichlid for a compatible Aulonocara. Also works well with Synodontis catfish. Avoid aggressive Mbuna that will bully this more peaceable species.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Star Sapphire Haps are healthy specimens developing the spectacular iridescent blue colouration with glittering white-blue spots. A breathtaking centrepiece fish for serious Malawi enthusiasts. Live arrival guaranteed with UK delivery.

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Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

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How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
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