Iceberg Electric Blue 3cm

Iceberg Electric Blue

The Iceberg Electric Blue is a jaw-droppingly stunning freshwater cichlid that brings a literal spark of electricity to any aquarium it's housed in. Bred from the wild Sciaenochromis fryeri species of Lake Malawi, this particular variant is prized for its unique bright blue body with an even more dramatic contrasting white dorsal "ice cap." The striking colouration and bold personality make the Iceberg Electric Blue a must-have for serious African cichlid enthusiasts looking for a true centrepiece fish.

Iceberg Electric Blues have a metallic, electric blue body that glows vividly under proper aquarium lighting. Unlike the standard electric blue fryeri, these cichlids have a distinctive pure white dorsal fin that gives the "iceberg" effect, setting them apart from their more common cousins. Males exhibit the brightest and boldest colours, while females are more subdued with a silverish-blue body. With maturity, the intensity of the blue deepens, creating a truly hypnotic visual effect when contrasted with other bright cichlids. These fish also have a great, predatory, elongated body shape, which also really sets them apart.

Breeding Iceberg Electric Blues is relatively straightforward for aquarists familiar with African cichlids. They are maternal mouthbrooders, with the female carrying the fertilised eggs in her mouth until the fry are large enough to fend for themselves. To encourage successful spawning, it's best to keep one male with several females, offering plenty of rocky hiding spots for females to retreat. Males will display brilliant colourations and become territorial during breeding. Fry can be fed crushed flakes, powdered fry foods, and freshly hatched baby brine shrimp after release.

Tank Recommendations for your Iceberg Electric Blue

Because of their active swimming nature and territorial behaviour, it is best to house Iceberg Electric Blues in a tank of at least 300 litres. A sand substrate with plenty of rock caves and open swimming spaces mimics their natural habitat and helps reduce territorial stress. High filtration, strong water movement, and stable water parameters are quite important too. A temperature range of 24-28°C and a pH between 7.8 and 8.6 is ideal for keeping these cichlids in peak health and colouration. It is strongly recommended to use a tight-fitting lid, as they are known jumpers when startled.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Iceberg Electric Blue is considered mildly aggressive, especially towards similar-looking males, but is overall more peaceful compared to other Malawi cichlids. They should be housed with tank mates that can hold their own but are not overly aggressive.

Usually Compatible

Other peaceful to moderately aggressive Malawi haps and peacocks like Copadichromis, Placidochromis, and Aulonocara species.

Sometimes Compatible

Mbuna species like Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs), if there is sufficient space and rockwork, though more aggressive Mbuna should be avoided.

Rarely Compatible

Highly aggressive Mbuna, Melanochromis species, and large predators like Frontosa, Oscars, and jaguar cichlids may outcompete or harass them.

Feeding your Iceberg Electric Blue

Iceberg Electric Blues are enthusiastic and greedy eaters. They readily accept a variety of foods, including cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen treats such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. To prevent health issues like Malawi bloat, it's important to avoid high-fat foods and overfeeding. A quality diet balanced with vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes alongside protein sources will promote vibrant colouration and strong immunity.