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Astatotilapia sp. 35 Tomato, also called Tomato Hap, is an African cichlid from the haplochromine group associated with the Lake Victoria basin in Tanzania. Its trade name refers to the reddish-orange coloration generally sought in this form. Like several Victoria cichlids, it combines a sturdy body, a strong personality, and territorial breeding behavior. Successful care requires alkaline water, efficient filtration, and an aquascape that provides visual barriers and refuge. With a rarity rating of 1 out of 3, the Tomato Hap remains a relatively accessible form for aquarists interested in the cichlids of the region.

General description

Astatotilapia sp. 35 Tomato is a haplochromine cichlid in the genus Astatotilapia, sold under a strain name rather than the name of a formally described species. The code sp. 35 identifies this form in the aquarium trade, while Tomato refers to its color expression. It is an active fish that closely observes its surroundings and is generally more interesting to watch in a properly structured group than as an isolated pair. Males establish territories, especially when breeding, and females need areas where they can escape persistent attention. A spacious aquarium, good water quality, and carefully selected tankmates are essential.

Geographic origin and habitat

The form is associated with the Tanzanian shore of Lake Victoria, a large freshwater environment containing rocky littoral zones and areas of softer substrate. In this type of habitat, fish use cracks, rock edges, and surfaces supporting algae and small organisms. The water is generally alkaline and moderately warm. In aquariums, a stable temperature of about 24 to 27 °C and a pH near 7.5 to 8.5 suit the general care of this group. Regular water changes are important because these cichlids do not tolerate the accumulation of nitrogenous waste well.

Precise location and local name

The trade name used for this form is Tomato Hap. The term “hap” is a common aquarium label for several African haplochromine cichlids; it is not a scientific name here. Tomato describes the red or orange-red coloration sought in displaying males. The form is marketed under the code Astatotilapia sp. 35, which separates it from other Victoria populations or forms. To prevent hybridization and preserve its identity in captivity, it should be kept separately from closely related Astatotilapia.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Astatotilapia sp. 35 Tomato is typical of haplochromine cichlids: laterally compressed, fairly deep, and equipped with well-developed fins. The dominant male generally shows a tomato-red to orange-red base color, with intensity influenced by age, social rank, and breeding condition. Females and juveniles are usually more subdued, with grayish or brownish tones and less vivid markings. Fins may show stronger contrasts in males. Color alone is not always enough to identify a strain, however, because lighting, decor, and social condition can strongly influence its appearance.

General diet

This form readily accepts a varied aquarium diet. The staple should consist of quality African-cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp or mysis. Regular plant matter, in the form of spirulina or an algae-enriched preparation, helps diversify the diet and prevents an overly rich animal-protein intake. Meals should remain moderate to avoid digestive issues and declining water quality. Small portions once or twice daily are preferable, provided the fish consume them quickly.

Essential data

• Local name used: Tomato Hap
• Origin of the scientific name: Astatotilapia is the genus name; sp. indicates an unspecified species or form, and 35 is an aquarium or trade identification code.
• Etymology of the full name: Astatotilapia combines Greek-derived elements associated with the idea of instability or variation with tilapia, a traditional name used for several African cichlids; sp. 35 identifies a coded form, while Tomato refers to its color.
• Common and vernacular names: Tomato Hap
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: ass-tah-toe-til-AH-pee-ah - ess pee THUR-tee-five toe-MAH-toe
• Water temperature and pH: approximately 24 to 27 °C; pH around 7.5 to 8.5
• Waterbody appearance and surrounding vegetation: Lake Victoria littoral zones with rocks, soft substrate, algae, and variable aquatic vegetation
• Temperament and behavior: active and territorial, with stronger intensity during breeding; females require shelter
• Sexual dimorphism: males are generally more colorful and territorial; females and juveniles are duller
• Bottom structure and flow: sandy or gravelly substrate near rocky areas; low to moderate water movement depending on the site
• Rarity: relatively common in the aquarium trade

In your aquarium

To succeed with Astatotilapia sp. 35 Tomato, use a spacious, well-filtered aquarium decorated with rocks that create visual barriers. A balanced social structure reduces pressure on females and subordinate fish. Maintain stable, alkaline water with low waste levels, and provide a varied diet that includes plant matter. Avoid mixing it with very closely related cichlids if you want to preserve the strain. As with several Victoria cichlids, observing behavior helps you adjust the layout, sex ratio, and population quickly, supporting long-term care and reducing chronic stress.