These Star Sapphires aren’t imports, guesses, or “hope they color up later” gambles. These big boys and girls were born and raised right here, slow‑grown with space, clean water, and real food until they hit that deep, cosmic sparkle the strain is famous for. Every scale is a galaxy, every turn flashes a new constellation.
This male is fully “chipped out”—that mature, metallic star‑pattern that only shows up on fish that have been raised right and given time to develop. He’s confident, conditioned, and 100% ready to breed, already showing the posture, color, and presence you want in a dominant male. The females in this batch carry the same strong genetics and that calm, steady temperament that makes pairing smooth instead of chaotic.
If you’re building a display, starting a breeding group, or just want a centerpiece fish that looks like it was carved from blue stone, this is the line you want. Florida‑raised. Hobbyist‑grown. Zero shortcuts. Pure sapphire shine.
Star Saphire (Phenochilus Tanzania) (WYSIWYG)
🏡 Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank: 75 gallons+ (adults need room to cruise)
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Aquascape: Open swimming lanes; rockwork for structure
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Substrate: Sand preferred
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Flow: Moderate
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Lid: Recommended—large haps can jump when startled
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Lighting: Moderate; brings out the sapphire “chip” pattern
💧 Water Parameters
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Temperature: 76–82°F
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pH: 7.6–8.4
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Hardness: Hard, Malawi‑appropriate
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Stability: Critical for maintaining color and breeding behavior
🐟 Species Profile
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Adult Size: 8–10"+
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Temperament: Peaceful for a hap; assertive when breeding
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Sexual Dimorphism: Males develop the iconic “star‑chipped” blue; females stay softer silver/blue
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Behavior: Slow, regal swimmers; display beautifully in open water
🍽️ Feeding
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High‑quality pellets (cichlid staple)
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Spirulina‑based foods
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Occasional frozen treats (avoid heavy protein/fat)
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Designed for steady growth, not fast bulking
🐣 Breeding Notes
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Maternal mouthbrooder
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Males need space to claim a display zone
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Females hold for ~21–28 days
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Fry are large and take crushed pellets + baby brine
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Your male is fully chipped and ready to breed, showing mature coloration and dominance posture
🔍 Extra Notes
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These individuals were born and raised right here in Florida, not imported
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Slow‑grown for color, health, and strong genetics
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