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The Malawi Hawk Cichlid (Aristochromis christyi) is a unique predator in Lake Malawi. Growing to around twelve inches in length, this uncommon species is among the largest cichlids in this ecosystem and is highly adapted for preying upon the many smaller mbuna and utaka found close to the shoreline. With an elongate body and an enlarged, bulbous head, Aristochromis is highly adapted for lunging into the rocks after its agile prey. True to its name, this fish comes at its prey from above, like a hawk, tilting downwards at an angle with a rapid attack.

Juveniles and females are similar in appearance, being primarily silvery with an oblique black line running from the nape to the caudal fin and with another line present along the base of the dorsal fin. Males, as they mature, mostly lose these stripes, instead developing an increasing amount of blue throughout the body, while the ventral fins become ever oranger. In the full bloom of their nuptial colors, this is one of the more visually impressive African cichlids and a true centerpiece for an aquarium large enough to house it.

As juveniles, it’s possible to keep multiple Aristochromis together, and, for those wishing to eventually establish a harem and potentially breed this fish, this is the best way to acquire the correct sex ratio. Males are likely to become increasingly belligerent with age, and, in smaller aquariums, rivals may ultimately need to be separated. As for other tankmates, it is imperative to stick to suitably robust species, lest they wind up on the menu. Some possible choices could include Cyrtocara moorii, Dimidiochromis, or Fossorochromis, but even a fully grown Aulonocara peacock cichlid is likely to be relatively safe.