Edit Petrochromis famula
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Name
Scientific name
Petrochromis famula
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Petrochromis famula is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in both the north and the south of the lake in shallow water over rocky …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–27°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It is found in both the north and the south of the lake, usually in shallow water over rocky bottoms.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm - ~108 litres.
Maintenance
Use piles of rocks to form lots of caves and hiding places with areas of open space for swimming between. A sandy substrate is ideal. Powerful biological filtr…
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 27 °C pH: 7.5-9.0 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
Due to it's very specific natural diet (see below), it should be offered foods that are high in fibre and low in protein. A large proportion of the diet should…
Behaviour and compatibility
P. famula, like others in the genus, has a nasty reputation but aggression is directed primarily towards conspecifics. This can be dissipated somewhat by keepi…
Sexual dimorphism
Male fish are more colourful than females and develop pointed dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.
Reproduction
Possible but not easy. Maternal mouthbrooder. Due to the violent nature of the fish with others of its species it is actually more easily bred in a community s…
Notes
The mouthparts of this species are highly specialised, reflecting its natural feeding habits of rasping algae and other organisms from rock surfaces. It feeds …
References
References
No references