Malawi Gar

Malawi Gar (Lichnochromis acuticeps)

The Malawi Gar is one of the most sought-after Haps from Lake Malawi, known for its striking appearance and impressive size. Despite its rarity in the hobby, due to breeding challenges, the Malawi Gar is a prized addition to large cichlid setups. Fortunately, our group is prolific, allowing more hobbyists to enjoy this beautiful fish without the concerns that come with wild-caught specimens. This species is non-predatory, relatively relaxed, and rarely takes on the role of tank boss, but it can hold its own in an established aquarium.

Male vs Female Coloration: Males display a more vibrant coloration, often with shimmering blue and green hues, while females tend to be less colorful with more muted tones. The difference in coloration becomes more apparent as they mature.

Behavior and Tank Requirements: The Malawi Gar is generally peaceful but should be housed in larger tanks due to its active nature and size. It’s not an aggressive species, but can defend itself if needed. Ensure plenty of open swimming space with some rock formations or plants for line-of-sight breaks and territories.

Compatibility: Malawi Gars do well with other peaceful Haps and Peacocks. They should not be housed with overly aggressive or territorial species, as they prefer a calm environment.

Tank Parameters:

• Native to: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Max adult size: 10 inches
• Diet: Omnivore (accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional frozen foods like krill and mysis shrimp)
• Care skill: Intermediate
• Temperature range: 74°F - 82°F
• pH range: 7.7 - 8.4
• GH range: 175 ppm - 400 ppm
• Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons

Introduce the Malawi Gar to your large tank setup, and enjoy the presence of this peaceful and captivating Hap.