Azure Cichlid - Sciaenochromis freyeri DNZ single specimen

The azurchiclid, Sciaenochromis freyeri, known in aquaristics since the 70s, belongs to the cichlid family and is endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa, where it mainly inhabits the deep rocky littoral, but also the sandy zones. Mainly the animals live in caves, which they leave to search for prey. Especially the great azure color of the males, which was one of the reasons for the name, enjoys great popularity among Malawi fans. Especially in a Malawi aquarium these wonderful animals come into their own.

You will receive our Azurchiclids as pairs, which are also German offspring.

The perch-typical and elongated body has strikingly thick lip bulges and a strong terminal lower jaw, with which the azure cichlid hunts among other things invertebrates and the young fish of other mbuna cichlids. In terms of color, the sexes differ clearly: from a size of about 5 cm the young animals change color. The females remain rather pale and gray, the males, however, form a brilliant azure blue, sometimes with yellow spots in the fins. The animals can reach up to 20 cm final size.

Breeding of these cave breeders is also possible in the aquarium. For this purpose the animals need sufficient and large caves, which are cleaned thoroughly by the male during courtship, among other things sediments and also sand are removed from this. Since these "spawning caves" are actively and aggressively defended by him, attention should be paid to sufficient shelters for the fellow fish. Therefore the reef in the aquarium should be absolutely secured against falling over, because the azurchiclids may undermine it. Occasionally, however, they will accept smooth slates and spawn freely. Mating takes place in the burrow into which the male has lured his chosen female. The young can be fed with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii.

Due to the possible size of the azure cichlids they should be kept in an aquarium with an edge length of at least 150 cm. As a substrate a fine light sand has proven itself, as they also know it from their habitat. With stone structures, which should be secured against falling over as already mentioned, a great reef can be created, which offers retreat possibilities, but also hiding places. Nevertheless, a sufficiently large swimming space should be ensured. The planting plays rather a subordinate role and can consist of perching plants such as Anubia, Java fern or Bucephalandra exist. Since the animals are very territorial in places and especially during spawning time, the infrastructure should provide sufficient territorial markings and visual protection. At a total hardness of 5-20 °dGH and a pH between 7.5 and 9.0, as well as a temperature of 24-27 °C the nicely drawn slender cichlids can be well maintained.

In their habitat the greedy and omnivorous azurchiclids feed mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, which is why they are not suitable for socialization with dwarf shrimps or other invertebrates. In a sufficiently large Malawi tank, however, they can be socialized with other Nonmbunas - as long as they do not fit in their mouths!

In the aquarium the mainly carnivorous azurchiclids  can be fed well with commercial  dry food in the form of flake food or granulated food for carnivorous ornamental fish. With live food or frozen food like Daphnia, Enchytraea or Artemia their menu can be spiced up great, also they will not be able to refuse a thawed fish fillet in shreds.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. The NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for predominantly carnivorous fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that fish naturally eat, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro-injuries that can result from hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.