Star Sapphire Mirrorball Cichlid – Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania”

The Star Sapphire Cichlid, also known as the Tanzania Mirrorball Cichlid, is a spectacular Lake Malawi haplochromine recognised for the shimmering silver-white markings that gradually develop across the deep blue body of mature males.

Scientifically, this fish is best referred to as Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania”. It is an undescribed Tanzanian form and should not be confused with the true Placidochromis phenochilus, commonly associated with the white-lipped Mdoka form.

Young Star Sapphire Cichlids can look relatively plain compared with mature males. Their famous metallic spotting develops progressively as the fish matures, making this a species that becomes increasingly impressive with age.

Fish Profile

• Common Names: Star Sapphire Cichlid, Tanzania Mirrorball Cichlid, Phenochilus Tanzania
• Scientific Name: Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania”
• Origin: Lake Malawi, eastern Tanzanian shoreline
• Fish Type: Lake Malawi Haplochromine
• Adult Size: Approximately 18cm, with some males becoming larger
• Temperament: Relatively peaceful for a Malawi Hap, but territorial behaviour can occur
• Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.5–8.5
• Water: Hard, alkaline
• Recommended Aquarium: Around 400 litres or larger
• Substrate: Fine aquarium sand
• Diet: Omnivorous/invertivorous
• Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder

About the Star Sapphire Cichlid

The Star Sapphire is one of the most distinctive Lake Malawi Haps available to aquarium keepers.

Mature males develop a deep blue base colour covered with irregular pale blue, silver and white markings that create the characteristic “star sapphire” or “mirrorball” appearance.

The spotting does not usually appear immediately. Juveniles and younger males are typically much more subdued, while mature males become progressively more heavily marked as they age.

Females and juveniles are generally more grey-blue in colour and may show darker vertical bars.

Natural Habitat

Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania” originates from the eastern shoreline of Lake Malawi in Tanzania, including areas between Makonde and Lupingu.

It is associated primarily with sandy and transitional habitats rather than the heavily rocky environments preferred by many mbuna.

In the wild, these fish can feed around areas disturbed by other sand-sifting cichlids, taking advantage of small invertebrates and edible particles uncovered from the substrate.

Aquarium Setup

The Star Sapphire Cichlid needs a spacious aquarium with plenty of room for open swimming.

A suitable setup should include:

• Fine sand substrate
• Large open swimming areas
• Selected rockwork for shelter and visual barriers
• Strong biological filtration
• Good oxygenation and water movement

Around 400 litres or larger is a sensible target for adults, particularly when maintaining a group or keeping them alongside other medium to large Lake Malawi Haps.

Unlike heavily rock-oriented mbuna, this species benefits from having substantial open floor and swimming space.

Water Conditions

Star Sapphire Cichlids are adapted to the hard, alkaline conditions of Lake Malawi.

• Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.5–8.5
• Water Hardness: Hard to very hard

Stable water chemistry is important. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness.

Feeding

Star Sapphire Cichlids are omnivorous fish with a natural diet that includes small invertebrates and edible material disturbed from sandy substrates.

In the aquarium, provide a varied, high-quality diet that can include:

• Quality African cichlid pellets
• Appropriate sinking pellets
• Mysis shrimp
• Artemia or brine shrimp
• Other suitable frozen aquatic foods

Avoid excessive feeding or very rich foods. Several moderate feeds are preferable to large amounts of food that contribute to poor water quality.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Star Sapphire Cichlids are generally considered relatively calm compared with many aggressive Lake Malawi species.

They can still become territorial, particularly mature males and fish preparing to breed.

Suitable tank mates can include appropriately sized and similarly tempered Lake Malawi Haps and selected Peacock Cichlids that prefer the same hard, alkaline water conditions.

Highly aggressive mbuna are generally less suitable companions because they may continually harass the more open-swimming Star Sapphire.

When keeping several Star Sapphires, maintaining more females than males can help reduce persistent breeding pressure.

Breeding

Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania” is a maternal mouthbrooder.

After spawning, the female carries the fertilised eggs and developing fry in her mouth for approximately three weeks before releasing free-swimming young.

A spacious aquarium with good water quality and places where females can retreat from persistent males is beneficial when maintaining a breeding group.

Why Choose a Star Sapphire Cichlid?

The Star Sapphire is an excellent choice for experienced Lake Malawi keepers looking for a larger show fish with unusual adult colour development.

Its transformation from a relatively understated juvenile into a deep blue adult covered in shimmering metallic markings makes it particularly rewarding to raise.

Browse more African Cichlids available from Aquaholics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of the Star Sapphire Cichlid?

The Star Sapphire Cichlid is best identified as Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania”. It is an undescribed Lake Malawi form and is distinct from true Placidochromis phenochilus.

How big do Star Sapphire Cichlids grow?

Adults commonly reach around 18cm, although mature males may become somewhat larger.

When do Star Sapphire Cichlids develop their spots?

The metallic white and silver markings develop gradually as males mature. Young fish may show little or none of the distinctive adult spotting.

Are Star Sapphire Cichlids aggressive?

They are generally relatively peaceful for a Lake Malawi Hap, although adult males can become territorial, particularly during breeding.

What size aquarium does a Star Sapphire Cichlid need?

Around 400 litres or larger is recommended for mature fish, particularly when keeping a group or a Malawi community.

What temperature should Star Sapphire Cichlids be kept at?

A temperature of approximately 23–28°C is suitable.

What pH do Star Sapphire Cichlids prefer?

They prefer hard, alkaline Lake Malawi water with a pH of approximately 7.5–8.5.

What do Star Sapphire Cichlids eat?

They are omnivorous/invertivorous fish. A varied aquarium diet can include quality African cichlid pellets together with suitable frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and Artemia.

Are Star Sapphire Cichlids mouthbrooders?

Yes. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and carry the developing eggs and fry in their mouths before releasing the young.

Is a Star Sapphire the same as Placidochromis phenochilus?

No. The fish commonly sold as the Star Sapphire or Phenochilus Tanzania is Placidochromis sp. “phenochilus Tanzania”, an undescribed Tanzanian form. True Placidochromis phenochilus is a different fish associated with the distinctive white-lipped forms.