Monday, 22 September 2014

Petrochromis polyodon - the most aggressive cichlid?

Petrochromis polyodon is a behemoth aufwuch feeder from Lake Tanganyika. Similar to a giant tropheus and evelotionary comparable to Lake Malawi Petrotilapia, this fish can beet any in terms of aggression. A 12" male can liquidate all his rivals in a few hours. So why? Probably because of their need to protect their feeding territory from other species. Their diet is extremely specialised and consists purely of algae and small crustacea. The aggresdion is not limited to males. Females can be just as murderous!
How do we keep them? A large tank - ideally 6feet long or more and in large groups - 30 fish would not be overkill. Say 6 males and 24 females. Food has to be low protein and free from mamillian meat. I use aquarian goldfish food alongside hikari koi pellets. And they eat a lot! So good filtration is needed. Breeding is difficult - they are mouthbrooders for up to six weeks. Broods are small fry are huge but very delicate. These fish are well worth the effort!

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