Juba cichlid - Ptychochromis oligacanthus

Scientific name: Ptychochromis oligacanthus

Common name: Juba cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 27 cm (5.91 - 10.63 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 24°N (178.57 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Quality flakes or cichlid pellets should provide the staple diet for Juba cichlid. It will readily accept blood worms, earthworms and brine shrimp.

Origin

Juba cichlid is endemic to Madagascar; it inhabits the streams and water ways.

Sexing

There are no physical differences between the sexes, the female will display a swollen belly when ripe with eggs.

Breeding

Ptychochromis oligacanthus are substrate spawners and a pit will be dug out ready for the spawning. When the eggs are laid the parents will tend them and protect the site until hatching, this should take place in 8-10 days. While the fry are young the parents will continue to protect them and they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Juba cichlid is 6 years.

Short description

Ptychochromis oligacanthus is probably best kept in a species tank with a sandy substrate; provide hiding places by adding bogwood etc.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.