Buccochromis Lepturus

Datasheet

General Description

The Slender Tail Hap, scientifically known as Buccochromis Lepturus, is a stunning cichlid species also referred to as the green lepturus. Endemic to Lake Malawi, this fish can grow up to 40.0cm in size and is recognized for its pelagic nature, making it a rare sight in the aquarium trade due to difficulties in capture for export. When available, it tends to be pricey due to its limited availability.

Aquarium Setup

For a Slender Tail Hap, a minimum tank size of 300 liters is recommended. Decor is not a priority as they are pelagic roamers, but providing ample swimming space is essential. While rocky formations are unnecessary, they can be included if cohabiting with species that utilize them. High-quality filtration and precise tank maintenance are crucial, especially given the size of this fish. Water conditions should ideally have a hardness of 10-25°dH, a pH of 7.5-8.8, and a temperature range of 24-27°C (see table).

Behaviour

Not particularly aggressive except towards smaller fish that fit in its mouth, the Slender Tail Hap can coexist with most Lake Malawi species larger than 6 inches. It generally tolerates conspecifics well, especially in spacious tanks.

Feeding and Diet

Primarily piscivorous in the wild, the Slender Tail Hap easily adapts to prepared foods in captivity. Offering a diverse diet is crucial, including high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple and supplementary meaty foods like prawns, mussels, and earthworms. Care must be taken to avoid overfeeding as this species tends to be quite greedy.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Limited information is available on the breeding of Slender Tail Haps in aquarium settings, but they are known to be maternal mouthbrooders. Adult males exhibit larger size and more vibrant colors compared to females.

Habitat and Distribution

In Lake Malawi, the Slender Tail Hap can be found throughout the lake, favoring deeper waters. Juveniles are often observed in shallower areas along shorelines.