Placidochromis Electra - Deep Water Hap - Haplochromis Electra

Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) | An Electric-Blue Malawi Cichlid With a Calm Temperament

The Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra), also sold as the Electra Hap, is a Lake Malawi haplochromine with a pale, silvery-blue body, a blue-green sheen across its scales, and dark vertical bars behind the eye. Mature males deepen to an intense electric blue, while females carry more colour than is typical of African cichlids. A group in a rocky, sand-bottomed tank shimmers under good lighting.

In the wild it lives over sandy areas near rock, often in loose groups. Compared with the boisterous mbuna of Lake Malawi, it is a relatively peaceful, easygoing cichlid. That makes it a good choice for aquarists who want large, colourful African cichlids in a community setup without constant aggression.

Deep Water Hap Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Placidochromis electra
• Also known as: Deep Water Hap, Deepwater Hap, Electra Hap, Deep Water Blue Hap
• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa, over sandy areas near rocky habitat
• Adult size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), with males larger and more colourful than females
• Minimum tank size: 75 gallons (285 litres), with 100+ gallons preferred for a group
• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 7.8–8.6, with hard, alkaline water essential
• Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Best kept as one male with three or more females
• Lifespan: 8–12 years with good care

Deep Water Hap Tank Setup

A sand substrate is ideal, because these fish sift through it while foraging. Crushed coral or aragonite sand also helps keep the water hard and alkaline. A darker substrate makes them feel more secure and shows off their colours better. Build sturdy rock structures with caves and sightline breaks, and leave open sand and swimming space in front. These fish dig, so stack rocks directly on the tank base and not on the sand, to keep them stable.

Strong filtration and regular water changes of 25–30% keep water quality high and nitrates low, which helps these fish hold their colour.

Keeping a Group

For the best results, keep one male with three or more females. A single male kept with several females spreads his attention and reduces stress on any one fish. Males are territorial toward other males, so keep one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large and heavily structured with visual barriers. Females are colourful in their own right, so a group looks good even before the males fully colour up.

Feeding Your Deep Water Hap

Omnivores with a healthy appetite. A high-quality cichlid pellet or flake makes a solid staple. Supplement regularly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and daphnia. Variety keeps their colour vivid and their condition high. Feed measured portions and remove any uneaten food promptly.

Deep Water Hap Tank Mates

• Aulonocara Peacock cichlids, a natural and well-matched pairing for temperament and water chemistry
• Other peaceful to semi-aggressive Lake Malawi haplochromines of similar size
• Synodontis catfish, classic Malawi companions
• Avoid very aggressive mbuna that may harass these calmer fish
• Avoid very small fish that could be viewed as food
• Avoid soft water species, as water chemistry compatibility is essential
• Keep only one male per species in most setups