Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green'
Ruby Green Hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green')
Ruby Green Hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green')
20 in stock
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Remarks: The ruby green hap (Haplochromis sp. 'Ruby Green') is one of the many colorful, undescribed haps typically referred to as Victorian cichlids. They are on the smaller side with males being able to grow to 5.5,” but usually not exceeding 4” in the home aquarium. Females stay slightly smaller. Like with most haps, juveniles and females are mostly gray and light tan in color with dominant males proving to be the true show stoppers. When fully mature and in optimal conditions, male ruby green haps show their namesake in the form of an iridescent, blue-green body topped with a ruby red blaze and matching tail fin. They also will show bold black stripes on the face and body as well as some orange and yellow accents.
Despite being considered a Victorian cichlid, the ruby green hap actually is not known to inhabit Lake Victoria. Instead, it can be found in a few, smaller northern satellite lakes such as Lake Kyoga. They inhabit a surprisingly broad variety of habitats from sluggish, turbid expanses to clear, flowing waterways. Unfortunately, at least some ruby green hap populations like those in Lake Nawampasa are at risk due to pollution and eutrophication. Due to the lack of an evaluation by the IUCN and the potential for the ruby green hap to get wiped out before it can be formally described, it has been placed on the CARES list under the name of Haplochromis sp. 'ruby.' Hopefully through captive breeding programs, farms and hobbyists can help keep this beautiful species around.
Being adapted for a variety of habitats has made the ruby green hap fairly hardy within the home aquarium, simply needing moderately hard and alkaline conditions alongside consistent water changes to thrive. They are primarily herbivorous, but will take a majority of foods offered and benefit from variety making feeding both fun and easy. Victorian haps have a reputation for being particularly aggressive and territorial and while this is true for the ruby green hap, it is to a much lesser extent. So much so that it is not recommended to keep them with other Victorian haps due to both the risk of hybridization as well as the ruby green hap being outcompeted or even attacked. Instead, they can be kept in a species only breeding group with at least two females to every one male to see their best colors. If you are not looking to breed ruby green haps, you can keep a male or two with a group of all male peacocks and Malawi haps so long as the species chosen are on the smaller and more mellow side.
If one considers their vibrant colors, hardy nature, smaller size, and more relaxed personality when compared to other Victorian cichlids, it is easy to see why ruby green haps make a great fish for experienced and beginner keepers alike.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Lake Kyoga, Africa
- Breeding: Tank-raised in USA
- Max adult size: 5-6"
- Diet: Herbivore
- Social behavior: Aggressive
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 74°F - 82°F
- pH range: 7.5 - 8.4
- TDS range: 175 ppm - 400 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee