Moderate to advanced
Linn's Haplochromis (Nimbochromis linni)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.6 · 450L
£36.99
Large Lake Malawi predator hap for experienced cichlid keepers, best kept in a spacious hard-water aquarium with robust tank mates.
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.
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Yellow Lepturus Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Large Lake Malawi predator hap for experienced cichlid keepers, best kept in a spacious hard-water aquarium with robust tank mates.
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.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Yellow Lepturus Cichlid (Buccochromis rhoadesii) is a large Lake Malawi predator hap for experienced aquarists. It is not a small community fish or a casual mixed-tank choice. This species needs open swimming space, hard alkaline water, strong filtration and tank mates chosen by adult size rather than colour alone.
The trade name "Yellow Lepturus" is used for the yellow form of Buccochromis rhoadesii. Expect a powerful, streamlined cichlid with confident feeding behaviour and a need for calm space. Juveniles can look manageable in shop size, but adults are substantial fish, so plan the aquarium around the adult animal from day one.
Buccochromis rhoadesii is associated with Lake Malawi and the upper Shire River. It is a predator from open sandy and muddy zones rather than a rock-dwelling mbuna. That matters in the aquarium: it wants room to move, turn and patrol, with sight breaks placed carefully so the tank stays open instead of crowded.
Use a mature Malawi-style aquarium of at least 500 litres, and go larger for adults or groups. A long tank is more useful than a tall narrow one. Use a sand base, secure rocks at the edges, open swimming lanes and filtration sized for heavy cichlid waste. Keep oxygen high and make water changes routine, because large predatory cichlids quickly expose weak maintenance.
Keep water hard and alkaline. A steady 23-27 C temperature range, pH around 7.4-8.4 and moderate to hard minerals suit this species far better than soft acidic community conditions. Stability is more important than constantly chasing exact numbers.
Feed a quality pellet or stick made for larger carnivorous Malawi cichlids, then rotate sensible portions of frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawn or similar aquarium foods. Avoid live feeder fish from unknown sources; they can introduce disease and encourage rough feeding habits. Juveniles can take smaller daily meals, while adults usually do better with controlled portions and clean water.
This is a predatory cichlid, so avoid tetras, guppies, shrimp, dwarf cichlids and anything small enough to swallow. Suitable companions are usually larger Malawi haps, robust peacocks and sturdy Synodontis-type catfish that share hard-water conditions. Even then, stocking depends on tank size, sex ratios and individual temperament.
For comparison, see Linn's Haplochromis as another large Malawi predator hap, White Tail Acei Cichlid for a different Malawi body shape, or Redbreast Tilapia if you are comparing large-cichlid aquarium planning. Always match fish by adult size, water chemistry and behaviour before mixing them.
Order only when the aquarium is mature, stable and ready for a large Malawi predator. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order. Eligible livestock orders are packed for welfare, sent through our licensed live-animal courier process and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee according to our delivery policy.
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