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Haplochromis species 44 "Red Tail"
 This fish has been called by several names, but most people have chosen to refer to them as Haplochromis sp. 44 "Red Tail." or "Thick Skin" They look like a Hap and the fins are red. Good enough. These fish are/were found on the north and east coastlines of Lake Victoria and inhabits the shallow water near the shore. They are considered extinct in the wild. "Red Tails" are very aggressive fish and are extremely colorful when they square off against each other and when they breed. They are hardy fish, and prolific spawners, which has made them the most popular Victorian Cichlid in the hobby, at least in North America. Certainly my favorite. "Red Tails" display a whole spectrum of colors, unrivaled by any other species, even saltwater, but what’s most interesting to me about these colors is that they are always changing as the fish matures. As for breeding, they are typical mouthbrooders with the exception that this fish spawns at a surprisingly early age. I have found females in my tank that were holding at 1-inch in length. Diet: Carnivore Gender Differences: Dimorphic Maximum Size: 5" Temperature: 78-82°F pH: 7.2-8.6 Water Hardness: Hard |