The Electric Blue Cichlid is a striking Lake Malawi African Cichlid that is popular among many cichlid enthusiasts worldwide. It is one of the most popular cichlids of all time!

The Electric Blue is relatively peaceful for a cichlid, though during spawning they may be territorial. These bright blue fish are often seen swimming in the middle to bottom portions of the tank. Though the Electric Blue is relatively non-aggressive when compared with other cichlids, they are still a fairly aggressive fish that is best suited for an African Cichlid Tank. Some species of catfish may also do well in a tank with the Electric Blue. Because they feed on fish as part of their diet, they are generally considered unsuitable for the community tank. Like other Lake Malawi Cichlids, the Electric Blue's natural habitat is one that is rocky, and this should be emulated in the tank environment. These fish like to hide. They may nibble on live plants; some recommended plants include the Java Moss and the Java Fern. This fish does like to make territories, and space should be provided for that purpose. Clay pots and driftwood are great additions for this reason. In captivity this fish does well on a variety of foods including assorted freeze dried foods, beef heart, blood worms, brine shrimp, commercial cichlid pellets and flakes, daphnia, frozen plankton, glass worms, live fish, and tubifex worms.

The Electric Blue is one of the most beautiful of all the Lake Malawi Cichlids. Though they are well known for their brilliant blue coloring, females tend to be a silver or brown color. The characteristic bright blue, for which this fish is famous, is only seen in males. The average mature Electric Blue will measure between 10 and 16 centimeters (four to six and a half inches) in length, though imperial sizes have been noted.

The Electric Blue is native only to Lake Malawi in Africa. Historically, this fish was classified in the genus "Haplochromis" and the species "ahli". In recent years that has changed, and they are referred to as "Sciaenochromis fryeri."

The Electric Blue Cichlid does well in warm tropical temperatures between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit). They enjoy swimming, as well as hiding, and they should be given plenty of room and decorations to do both.

The Electric Blue Cichlid is a mouth brooder. It is generally recommended that the male be placed in a breeding tank with several females, making them "harem breeders". During spawning the Electric Blue may become territorial. This fish will often breed in caves, so simulated caves should be provided in the breeding tank. Breeding tanks should be large, at least 209 liters (55-gallons). After breeding the female retains the fry for three to four weeks. Fry should be fed brine shrimp initially and may begin feeding on ground commercial foods within a week or so.