{"product_id":"african-cichlid-for-sale-uk-haplochromis-ovatus-eastern-4-0519","title":"Haplochromis ovatus eastern 4 - (Haplochromis ovatus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaplochromis ovatus is a striking Lake Victoria cichlid with bold personality that thrives in spacious hard-water African cichlid aquariums. Available for \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e enthusiasts, this species reaches up to 5cm in length and requires a tank of at least 60 litres. Native to eastern Africa and endemic to the Lake Victoria basin region, Haplochromis ovatus is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking active, semi-aggressive cichlids with engaging behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA striking cichlid with vivid coloration. Males develop intense colours with bold patterning. Females are more subdued. The body is streamlined and powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEndemic to Lake Victoria basin region in eastern Africa. Inhabits rocky shorelines and sandy areas. Lake Victoria is known for its hard, alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of 60 litres is suitable for a small group. Use fine sand or fine gravel substrate, create rockscape with caves. Filtration must be excellent. Maintain hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5-8.5\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\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOmnivorous. Offer quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small meaty foods. Occasional vegetable matter is acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMales are territorial and establish and defend territories. A maternal mouthbrooder. Can become aggressive, especially during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable: other similarly sized Lake Victoria cichlids, peaceful to mildly assertive African cichlids of similar size. Avoid small fish, shrimp, slow-moving or long-finned fish, and overly aggressive territorial cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide plenty of rockwork and open swimming space. Avoid mixing with timid tankmates. Expect territorial behaviour, especially during breeding.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder. Males establish territories and display to females, which then incubate the eggs in the mouth. Provide a spacious tank with rockwork and stable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co offers healthy Haplochromis ovatus with expert guidance on UK tropical fish delivery care. With secure packaging and reliable delivery, we make it easy to buy African cichlids for sale UK with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4 - 5 cm","offer_id":57427484213583,"sku":"0519","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 - 7 cm","offer_id":57456786866511,"sku":"0520","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 - 9 cm","offer_id":57456786899279,"sku":"L519","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":57456786932047,"sku":"0521","price":41.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/haplochromis-ovatus-eastern-4-haplochromis-ovatus-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-0519.webp?v=1776548231","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/african-cichlid-for-sale-uk-haplochromis-ovatus-eastern-4-0519","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}