Is this the rarest cichlid or fish?

Ptychochromis insolitus is an ugly beast but with a handsome profile. It is a beast in its behaviour, which may explain its rarity. Indeed when tbe species was down the last three individuals, one female and two males, a male promptly went psycho and minced the female who sadly didn't didn't survive. However, due to a worldwide search and a trip to Madagascar, 18 individuals were taken from a stagnant puddle and these represent probably the only surviving individuals. Luckily these are residing in an aquaculture facility in Tana where a spawning has occured giving some hope to the survival of this species. I am lucky to have kept these cichlids and am one of only a handful of people to breed them. Sadly, these fish are unlikely to make it to the hobby. However, if they do make it, they are best kept like Tropheus, in a large group in a large tank. Males over time will grow to as much as 12" with females rarely reaching 5. Spawning begins at 2-3 inches though they are by no means prolific - 50 to 60 eggs being the norm. Fry are very delicate and susceptible to die off. Adults on the other hand are pretty hardy but very murderous. The future looks very bleak for this, possibly the rarest fish in the world. However, it is hopeful that they can bred in Tana in sufficient numbers to allow reintroduction into a more pristine area.

Labidochromis caeruleus(Fryer 1956) the (yellow) blue cichlid

Labidochromis caeruleus - the black back cichlid - is probably one of the widest kept cichlids. Stunning in colouration it is found along a large part of the west coast of Lake Malawi. Although an mbuna, this fish is extremely passive and often kept in mixed communities.

But what is so remarkable is this cichlids has a variety of colour morphs, most of which are not yellow!  The clue is in the name as they are named caeruleus for their colour. Most morphs of this cichlid are in fact blue. Other combinations include white, blue white and yellow white. Indeed the famous yellow morph is only found in a small stretch of the lake near Lion's Cove and it is here from where our hobby fish originate. And most are descended from only one pair. This interbreeding has caused a huge deteriation in colour which is why many available are now washed out with excessive peppering. A far cry ftom their wild compatriates.

Sadly, due to overcollection and their small wild population, this fish should now be considered as vulnerable. Natural or human disaster could easily wipe out the beautiful yellow caeruleus. A few further collections have been made but the population density is becoming low so it may be time to introduce protective measures to save this fish. The pictures show my f1 specimens.

East Coast Ugly

The East Coast Ptychochromis (Ptychochromis cf grandidieri Ambila-Lemaitso) is a cichlid fish from the North East Coast of Madagascar. Rare in its limited natural range it has been unfairly been labelled the East Coast Ugly and is certainly the swan the grows into a slug. Large, grey with exaggerated features, this fish will not win any beauty contests but it is sure to keep your heart if you manage to find. Very few exist in captivity and I have the only breeding group in Europe! Currently this consists of 9 adults and around 50 juvenilles which I will release to the European hobby. Manage to find these stunners and you will need a reasonable sized aquarium as they can grow to a good 20cm in length and old males can be pretty cantanerous... These cichlids are basal in the family Cichlidae; that is they are a relic species which like the famous lemurs, has evolved in isolation for a very long time. Although superficially similar to Central American cichlids they are in no way closely related. Theyvare a fine example from the fascinating Ptychochromin lineage and along with Heterochromis, Retroculus and Cichla they are probably the most ancient of all cichlid fishes. They are an evolutionists dream and a fascinating species to boot. Search them out!!!