Sciaenochromis fryeri

Sciaenochromis fryeri

Sciaenochromis fryeri (Sciaenochromis fryeri) — Intermediate care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 74 US gal min; aim for 73–82°F and pH 7.5–8.5. Details below match the app.

Sciaenochromis fryeri (Sciaenochromis fryeri) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size74 US gal min
pH range7.5–8.5
Temperature73–82°F
Max size7.1 in (18.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–12 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / South America (varies)

  • Africa
  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Sciaenochromis fryeri Tank Setup

Plan for at least 74 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 73–82°F and pH 7.5–8.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Sciaenochromis fryeris Eat?

We record diet as Carnivore (live foods). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Sciaenochromis fryeri Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Electric Blue Hap; piscivore that hunts small fish. Keep with robust Malawi haps/peacocks. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Sciaenochromis fryeris Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.