Species profile
Electric Blue Ahli
Sciaenochromis fryeri
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
12–15 cm adult size
Midwater
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Predatory Lake Malawi haplochromine. Give open swimming space, hard alkaline water, strong filtration and only suitably robust tankmates too large to swallow.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
A male may be kept singly or with several females in a large Malawi setup. Avoid similar blue males and much smaller fish. Breeding males become more territorial.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Sciaenochromis fryeri
Alternative names
Electric Blue Hap, Electric Blue Fryeri
Native range
Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Associated with rocky/intermediate zones adjoining open sand. Provide moderate rock cover while preserving extensive open swimming space.
Diet & feeding
Primarily predatory. Use quality carnivorous cichlid pellets and varied aquatic invertebrate/frozen foods rather than feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop intense electric-blue colour; females and juveniles are generally grey-brown and much less conspicuous.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Male courts within a territory; female picks up fertilised eggs and carries developing young.