Madagascar cichlid - Paretroplus damii
Scientific name: Paretroplus damii
Common name: Madagascar cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 18 cm (5.91 - 7.09 inch)
014
Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 13°N (35.71 - 232.14ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Madagascar cichlids are very slow eaters so be patient to give them time to consume all of the food. For the staple diet, provide them with sinking pellets as they will sift the substrate to search for the food. Once a week treat them with blood worms as well.
Origin
Africa; Madagascar cichlids are found in Lake Pambilao, Madagascar.
Sexing
There are no visible differences between the sexes even as mature specimens.
Breeding
The parents will dig a pit in the substrate and then display to each other over the same site. The eggs will be laid at the side of the pit and they should hatch in 3-4 days. Both parents will tend the brood and may move the fry to different pits around the tank. A few days later, the fry should be free swimming and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected lifespan for Paretroplus damii is 8-10 years.
Short description
The Madagascar Cichlid is prone to white spot so keep the fish stress free and the water quality high. Plants and driftwood can be added to the tank but the fish will re-arrange the wood to suit themselves.