Ruby Green Hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green')

Remarks:  The ruby green hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green') is one of the many colorful, undescribed haps typically referred to as Victorian cichlids. They are on the smaller side with males being able to grow to 5.5,” but usually not exceeding 4” in the home aquarium. Females stay slightly smaller. Like with most haps, juveniles and females are mostly gray and light tan in color with dominant males proving to be the true show stoppers. When fully mature and in optimal conditions, male ruby green haps show their namesake in the form of an iridescent, blue-green body topped with a ruby red blaze and matching tail fin. They also will show bold black stripes on the face and body as well as some orange and yellow accents.   Despite being considered a Victorian cichlid, the ruby green hap actually is not known to inhabit Lake Victoria. Instead, it can be found in a few, smaller northern satellite lakes such as Lake Kyoga. They inhabit a surprisingly broad variety of habitats from sluggish, turbid expanses to clear, flowing waterways. Unfortunately, at least some ruby green hap populations like those in Lake Nawampasa are at risk due to pollution and eutrophication. Due to the lack of an evaluation by the IUCN and the potential for the ruby green hap to get wiped out before it can be formally described, it has been placed on the CARES list under the name of Haplochromis sp. 'ruby.' Hopefully through captive breeding programs, farms and hobbyists can help keep this beautiful species around.   Being adapted for a variety of habitats has made the ruby green hap fairly hardy within the home aquarium, simply needing moderately hard and alkaline conditions alongside consistent water changes to thrive. They are primarily herbivorous, but will take a majority of foods offered and benefit from variety making feeding both fun and easy. Victorian haps have a reputation for being particularly aggressive and territorial and while this is true for the ruby green hap, it is to a much lesser extent. So much so that it is not recommended to keep them with other Victorian haps due to both the risk of hybridization as well as the ruby green hap being outcompeted or even attacked. Instead, they can be kept in a species only breeding group with at least two females to every one male to see their best colors. If you are not looking to breed ruby green haps, you can keep a male or two with a group of all male peacocks and Malawi haps so long as the species chosen are on the smaller and more mellow side.   If one considers their vibrant colors, hardy nature, smaller size, and more relaxed personality when compared to other Victorian cichlids, it is easy to see why ruby green haps make a great fish for experienced and beginner keepers alike.