Star Sapphire
Placidochromis phenochilus
Cichlidae
About
The star sapphire is a large, strikingly beautiful Lake Malawi cichlid in which dominant males glow an intense metallic sapphire blue set off by pale, almost white lips. It sifts open sand for small invertebrates and, though large, is unusually calm for a hap, forming loose harems where one male courts several females. Its size, hard-water needs and sand-digging habits make it a fish for spacious, rockwork aquariums rather than mixed communities.
Care
Provide a large tank of 450 L or more with deep open sand, rock retreats and hard, alkaline water. Keep as a harem of one male to several females and pair only with robust, non-timid Malawi tankmates.
Diet
Omnivorous sand-sifter; offer a quality cichlid pellet plus frozen brine shrimp and mysis, with some vegetable content. Keep the diet lean to avoid bloat common in Malawi cichlids.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (8)
Possible with care (69)
Avoid (44)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.