Can you mix Malawi, Victoria, and Tanganyika Haps?
Are Haps from all 3 sources compatible with Aulonocara?
People don't normally refer to Tanganyikan cichlids as haps, partly because of their distinctiveness from cichlids in the other lakes and partly because it's been a long time since most Tanganyikan cichlids were ever thought to be related closely to cichlids in the other lakes (there are just a couple of exceptions-- also Haplochromis is a sub family of the Haplochromines, so Tanganyikan cichlids are still Haplochromines). So people are more likely to call them Tanganyikan cichlids or sometimes 'Tangs' as shorthand. Most Malawi cichlids that were formerly "Haplochromis" have been separated into their own groups as finer distinctions between have been made over the years, but the loose term 'haps' has stuck. There are Victorian cichlids technically In the Haplochromis family. As far as compatibility, it depends a lot on species. A lot of Victorian 'haps' are closer to mbuna in behavior than to peacocks. A good number of Malawi haps will work with peacocks, some of that depends on species and tank size. There are some really beautiful Malawi haps and they're less likely to be hybrid or line bred inventions, especially when you buy them as specifically a certain species-- an exception are some of the designer electric blue fryeri. Some Tanganyikans will work with peacocks, (or vice versa, some peacocks will work in some Tanganyikan tanks), depends on species, tank size, etc.
Are there any really good books or online resources (other than forums) where I can immerse myself in this? I love this forum but prefer to educate myself and then come here for the things I don' completely understand, and the social aspect of communicating with like minded (fish crazy) people.
It's been a while since I was really into African cichlids (though I still have Kapampa gibberosa) I used to have the Pablo Tepoot cichlid books, photos and brief descriptions of many species, don't know how available they are anymore, cost, etc., but they used to be a good starting point to get an idea of many of the African cichlids available. There's also this
Profile list, not to be taken as gospel in all cases but a decent general resource. Other than that, not sure. Forums vary in expertise, a few are very good, some decent or okay, some are lacking for knowledgeable members.