Chameleon hap
Protomelas annectens
Also known as Haplochromis annectens, Annectens hap
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Adult size
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 119 gal (450 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Lake Malawi
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A single Protomelas annectens suits a large Malawi community with a sand floor and open swimming room. In the lake it follows bigger diggers and picks up whatever they dislodge, and it keeps the habit in a tank, shadowing other fish and then shadowing you once it works out where food comes from. It is mild for its size and belongs with other haps and peacocks rather than mbuna. Feed a varied diet of granules and frozen foods; it is not a fussy eater.
In the wild
Protomelas annectens ranges over sand and intermediate zones throughout Lake Malawi, trailing sand-sifting cichlids to feed on what their digging stirs up. Malawi water is hard, alkaline and stable. Keep it at 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and pH 7.5 to 8.5, with a deep sand bed and enough length for a 20 centimeter fish to cruise.
Good to know
Protomelas annectens reaches about 20 centimeters and earns its trade name by changing pattern quickly, barring up, blanching, or flushing dark as mood and surroundings shift. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. Males hold no permanent territory in the lake, which is part of why it stays comparatively peaceful in a tank with room.
Did you know
It earned the chameleon name twice, changing color at will and making its living off other animals' work.
Common questions
What size tank does a Chameleon hap need?
A Chameleon hap needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Chameleon hap need?
Chameleon hap are comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 7.5–8.5.
How big do Chameleon hap get?
An adult Chameleon hap reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Chameleon hap?
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Related species
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Fenestratus hap
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Star sapphire cichlid
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