Haplochromis sp. 'Red Chest'

Haplochromis sp. 'Red Chest' is an undescribed Victorian haplochromine in which breeding males develop vivid cherry-red colouration across the chest, belly, and lower flanks, contrasting dramatically with the blue-green upper body and dorsal fin. This stark bicolour effect is one of the most dramatic colour patterns seen in Victorian cichlids and has earned this species a devoted following among hobbyists.

The species is territorial and should be kept in a Victorian species tank with multiple females per male. Like its congeners, it is a maternal mouthbrooder that breeds readily once established. Females are cryptically coloured in silver-grey and provide the sole parental investment by incubating the clutch in the buccal cavity for approximately three weeks.

Red Chest haplochromines thrive in hard, alkaline water with regular partial water changes. A diet combining cichlid pellets, spirulina, and frozen invertebrates maintains health and peak colouration.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; weekly 25-30% changes. Tank: 150L minimum; rocky structure with multiple caves and territories. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, spirulina, frozen mysis; avoid exclusively protein-rich diets. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; brood in female's mouth ~3 weeks. Compatibility: Victorian community; one dominant male per colour group.