{"product_id":"malawi-hawk-cichlid-aristochromis-christyi-5cm","title":"Malawi Hawk Cichlid Aristochromis Christyi - 5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Malawi Hawk Cichlid is a bold and majestic predatory haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, known for its elongated, torpedo-shaped body, iridescent blue and metallic sheen, and intense predatory behavior. As one of the lake’s top ambush predators, \u003cem\u003eAristochromis christyi\u003c\/em\u003e adds drama, power, and beauty to any large African cichlid display tank. Males are especially vibrant, showcasing deep blues, silvers, and often red-tipped fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEndemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa, where it inhabits rocky shorelines and open water zones, using stealth to prey on smaller fish—often targeting their eyes (hence the nickname \"eye biter\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCarnivorous and aggressive feeder. In captivity, accepts frozen foods (such as krill, silversides, shrimp, bloodworms), carnivore pellets, and occasional live food. Avoid feeding mammalian meat or high-fat foods. Feed sparingly to prevent aggression and bloating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest kept with other large and robust Lake Malawi haps or peacocks. Avoid smaller fish, Mbuna, or docile species, as they may be harassed or eaten. Suitable for species-only tanks or male display tanks in very large aquariums. Territorial, especially when mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: \u003cstrong\u003e76–82°F (24–28°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH: \u003cstrong\u003e7.8–8.6\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardness: \u003cstrong\u003e10–20 dGH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Tank Size: \u003cstrong\u003e100 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single adult or pair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires \u003cstrong\u003eample swimming space\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erocky hiding spots\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eclean, oxygen-rich water\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Personality:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly \u003cstrong\u003eterritorial and predatory\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially males\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill display impressive \u003cstrong\u003ecolor and dominance behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot recommended for beginners due to size and aggression\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan grow up to \u003cstrong\u003e11–12 inches (28–30 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e in captivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest coloration appears in \u003cstrong\u003edominant males in large, uncrowded tanks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires \u003cstrong\u003epowerful filtration\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efrequent water changes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Lake Malawi's \u003cstrong\u003emost impressive and commanding cichlids\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Malawi Hawk Cichlid (\u003cem\u003eAristochromis christyi\u003c\/em\u003e) is a stunning, predatory centerpiece for serious African cichlid keepers. With its commanding presence, intense color, and fierce behavior, it's a true trophy fish that brings both power and beauty to a properly managed Lake Malawi aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56392126759291,"sku":"STF-MISSING-34","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/6387\/6487\/files\/Malawi_Hawk_Cichlid.png?v=1787833546","url":"https:\/\/charterhouse-aquatics.com\/products\/malawi-hawk-cichlid-aristochromis-christyi-5cm","provider":"Charterhouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}