Star Sapphire African Cichlid
Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USAStar Sapphire African Cichlid
General Background
The Star Sapphire African Cichlid is a type of Haplochromis native to the shorelines of Lake Malawi but is also found in Tanzania. The males fetch the best prices because of their shimmering blue bodies and flashy spots. The females are distinct from the males because they display bars or solid blue instead of spots.
Almost every Star Sapphire African Cichlid breeders sell today are bred locally. It’s difficult to transport the fish, and few would survive the transition from Lake Malawi to America. Even in captivity, the fish are difficult to breed, making them something of a rarity.
It is essential to condition the tank water properly before introducing the fish. The water must be well-oxygenated and kept at between 78°F and 82°F. The water’s pH must range between 7.8 and 8.6.
Tankmates
Unlike some of its more aggressive relatives, the Star Sapphire African Cichlid takes after the peaceful Peacock Cichlid instead. They are good tank mates and mix best with Haplochromis that display a similarly docile temperament.
These include:
- Red Top Lwanda
- RedFin Borleyi
- Yellow Blaze Lithobates
- Other Peacock Cichlids
Some males can show signs of dominance and be more aggressive to other males, so it may be worth moving them to another tank. During breeding time, aggression increases.
Feeds
The Star Sapphire African Cichlids are carnivorous and require a high protein diet. They will eat flakes, frozen foods, or pellets but particularly love plankton and brine shrimp. Feeding them live krill or brine shrimp where possible gives them something to do and helps to bring out the color in their scales.
FAQ
How big do Star Sapphire cichlids get?
In captivity, the typical Star Sapphire African Cichlid reaches about seven inches in length. In nature, the male of the species is slightly larger than the female and can grow up to ten inches in length.
What African Cichlids can you keep together?
The Star Sapphire African Cichlid is generally a non-aggressive fish that makes an excellent addition to a mixed tank. Other cichlids that live well together include the Keyhole, Blue Acara, Bolivian Ram, Peacock, and electric yellow African Cichlids.
These fish co-exist peacefully because they have a live and let live attitude. Instead of being territorial, they allow their tank mates space to move and do not bully them.
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.