Sunset Hap Care Guide - Tank Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Sunset Hap is a large, streamlined Malawi cichlid with the elongated body and pointed head typical of the Dimidiochromis genus. Mature males develop rich blue-green colouring across the head and body, often combined with warm orange, yellow or reddish tones toward the flanks and fins. Darker vertical markings may become more visible depending on mood and social surroundings.

Females are generally less colourful, tending toward silvery or grey-brown tones with subdued barring. Males can be particularly impressive when displaying, spreading their fins and intensifying their colours to attract females or deter rivals.

In the wild, this species is an active predator that searches around rocky edges and open transitional areas for smaller fish and other aquatic prey. Its long body and powerful jaws allow it to make sudden bursts of speed when hunting.

Sunset Haps are confident, territorial cichlids rather than peaceful community fish. Their size, predatory nature and assertive behaviour make them best suited to carefully planned Lake Malawi communities containing similarly robust fish.

The Sunset Hap, Dimidiochromis strigatus, is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Its range includes parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania around the lake’s rocky and intermediate habitats.

A single adult or a carefully planned group requires at least 300 litres, with a larger aquarium preferable for multiple males or a mixed Malawi community. Aim for a tank around 150 cm long by 50 cm wide or larger so these active fish have room to swim and establish territories. Use a firm sand or fine-gravel substrate, with piles of rounded rocks creating caves, sight breaks and separate territories while retaining generous open swimming space. Strong filtration, good oxygenation and stable, alkaline water are essential.

Males can reach about 25 cm (9.8 inches) in length, while females are usually smaller at around 20 cm (7.9 inches).

Sunset Haps are carnivorous predators and should receive a varied diet based on high-quality cichlid pellets or granules formulated for predatory fish. Supplement this with suitable frozen foods such as prawns, mysis shrimp, krill and chopped seafood. Feed modest portions rather than excessive meals, and avoid routine use of mammalian meat, which is difficult for fish to digest and can contribute to health problems.

Suitable companions include large, robust Malawi haps and peacocks with comparable water requirements, provided the aquarium is spacious and territories are carefully arranged. Some similarly sized, assertive Lake Malawi cichlids may work, but combinations should be monitored closely because individual males can be aggressive. Avoid small fish, timid species, slow-moving tankmates and most community species, as they may be harassed or eaten. Mixing them with mbuna is possible in very large aquariums but is not always successful because of differences in temperament and feeding behaviour.

Sunset Haps are maternal mouthbrooders. Spawning usually takes place over a flat surface or near rocks, with the female collecting the fertilised eggs in her mouth. After around three weeks, she releases fully formed fry, which can be protected or separated from larger fish and raised on finely crushed fry food, baby brine shrimp and other suitably small foods. A male should be kept with several females to spread breeding pressure.

Males grow larger and become dramatically more colourful, developing blue-green body tones with orange, yellow or reddish highlights and brighter fins. Females remain smaller and are mainly silvery or grey-brown with less intense patterning.