Turquoise Hap Protomelas marginatus The Turquoise Hap is a larger Lake Malawi hap known for attractive blue-green male color and an active display presence. It is best suited to spacious Malawi aquariums with other haps and peacocks that can handle a mildly aggressive adult male. Origin and Habitat Native Region: Lake Malawi. Natural Habitat: Lake Malawi shoreline habitats. Physical Characteristics Size: 8-10 inches. Coloration: Mature males are known for turquoise-blue display color; females and juveniles are typically more muted. Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body with an active swimming profile. Behavior and Temperament Temperament: Mildly aggressive. Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Malawi haps and peacocks in a tank with room for territories and display behavior. Aquarium Care Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are better for adult males and mixed hap groups. Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water. Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room with rockwork for cover and broken sightlines. Use strong filtration and maintain stable Malawi water conditions. 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 to females and defend preferred areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and released fry should be protected from adults. Tank Mates Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks. Avoid: Small fish, delicate community fish, and extremely aggressive species that may dominate the tank.
