{"product_id":"african-cichlid-for-sale-uk-haplochromis-mola-4-0465","title":"Haplochromis mola 4 - (Haplochromis melanopterus) — 4-5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Haplochromis mola 4 -\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eafrican cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003eHaplochromis melanopterus\u003c\/em\u003e, a striking lake victoria cichlid with active behavior and vivid display potential, ideal for hard, alkaline african cichlid setups.. Haplochromis melanopterus is a species of cichlid endemic to the Tanzanian portion of Lake Victoria where it occurs in Smith Sound.  This species can reach a length of 12.7 centimetres (5.0 in) SL.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Endemic to the Tanzanian portion of Lake Victoria, especially Smith Sound, this moderate-care species belongs to the Cichlidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHaplochromis melanopterus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 114 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful cichlid displays vibrant coloration that intensifies with age and during breeding. Males typically show more intense colors than females, with finnage that becomes more elaborate as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eHaplochromis melanopterus\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits endemic to the tanzanian portion of lake victoria, especially smith sound. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural habitat features specific water chemistry and environmental conditions that we carefully replicate in captive care for optimal health and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003e114 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Haplochromis mola 4 -. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Haplochromis mola 4 -:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-26C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5-8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerately soft to slightly hard water suits this adaptable species. Regular water testing and gradual parameter adjustments ensure long-term stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a omnivore, Haplochromis mola 4 - requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia, and insect larvae, plus some vegetable matter or spirulina-based...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary the diet between quality flakes\/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Haplochromis mola 4 - is classified as \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest kept in hard, alkaline water with strong filtration and regular water changes. Like many Lake Victoria cichlids, it does best in a species-appropriate community with ample space and territories...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther similarly sized Lake Victoria cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust non-aggressive fish of similar size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatfish such as Synodontis species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall fish that can be bullied or eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverly timid tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal mouthbrooder; males establish territories and display to females. Provide rockwork and open spawning areas, and remove fry or use a dedicated breeding setup if you want to raise young...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a mouthbrooding species, females carry eggs in the mouth for 3-4 weeks. During this period, they do not feed and should not be disturbed. Provide a stress-free environment with stable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Haplochromis mola 4 - from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your african cichlid purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Haplochromis mola 4 - specimens are among the finest african cichlid available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427482575183,"sku":"0465","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/haplochromis-mola-4-haplochromis-melanopterus-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-0465.webp?v=1776548176","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/african-cichlid-for-sale-uk-haplochromis-mola-4-0465","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}