Lethrinops Sp. Gold Harbour Monkey Bay Lethrinops sp. "Gold Harbour" Lethrinops Sp. Gold Harbour Monkey Bay is a peaceful Lake Malawi sand-dwelling hap with subtle body shape and attractive mature male color. It is best for a calmer peacock and hap aquarium where it will not be crowded out by aggressive tank mates. Physical Characteristics Size: 6-7 inches. Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the strongest display color, while females and juveniles remain more subdued. Body Shape: Slender sand-sifting hap body with a streamlined profile. Origin and Habitat Native Region: Monkey Bay is in southern Lake Malawi on the Malawi-side southern or southeastern shore, close to Thumbi East Island, Harbour Island, and Coco Bay. Natural Habitat: This Lake Malawi bay points to a habitat shaped by rock structure, sand-rock edges, and nearby open water. Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Monkey Bay include Aulonocara gertrudae 'Monkey Bay', Aulonocara sp. 'copper' Monkey Bay, Aulonocara sp. 'green' Monkey Bay, and Aulonocara sp. 'minutus' Monkey Bay. Behavior and Temperament Temperament: Peaceful to mildly aggressive. Social Behavior: Best kept with peaceful Lake Malawi haps and peacocks, with space for males to display. Aquarium Care Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended. Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water. Tank Setup: Use sand substrate, open bottom space, some rockwork for sight breaks, and strong filtration. Diet and Feeding Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food. Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food. Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food. Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding. Breeding Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding Notes: Males display over open sandy areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release. Tank Mates Compatible With: Peaceful to moderately assertive Lake Malawi haps and peacocks. Avoid: Aggressive mbuna, large predators, and dominant haps that may outcompete it.
