Haplochromis sp. 'Kenya Gold'

Haplochromis sp. 'Kenya Gold' is an undescribed Victorian haplochromine collected from the Kenyan portion of Lake Victoria's shoreline. Males develop vivid golden-yellow and orange flanks with a contrasting steel-blue dorsal surface, creating a bold two-tone presentation in the aquarium. The Kenya Gold has become a popular representative of the Kenyan collection points in Victorian cichlid circles, offering a slightly different colour palette from Tanzanian-sourced forms.

Care follows standard Victorian haplochromine requirements: hard alkaline water, rocky décor, and a harem keeping arrangement. The species is a maternal mouthbrooder that breeds readily in captivity once territories are established. Aggression is moderate for a Victorian cichlid.

Keeping geographically accurate locality forms is encouraged among Victorian cichlid hobbyists, and the Kenya Gold represents an opportunity to maintain and breed a Kenyan form distinct from Tanzanian and Ugandan specimens.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; weekly 25% water changes. Tank: 150L minimum; rocky layout with territories and female retreats. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, spirulina, frozen invertebrates; balanced omnivore diet. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; standard Victorian cichlid breeding protocol. Compatibility: Victorian community; keep separate from visually similar Kenyan forms.