Threadfin Cichlid (Petrochromis trewavasae)

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Threadfin Cichlid
Petrochromis trewavasae
Threadfin Cichlid (Petrochromis trewavasae)
Name Threadfin Cichlid
Name Lat. Petrochromis trewavasae
Family Cichlids
Family lat. Cichlidae
Order Cichlids
Order lat. Cichliformes
Origin Lake Tanganyika
Habitat Rocky shore
Diet Limnivore
pH 7.5-9.0
Behavior Semi-aggressive
Keeping Group
Care Level Difficult
Reproduction Mouthbrooder
Breeding Difficult
Life Span 6-8 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 15-18 cm
Temperature 24-28 °C
Hardness 15-18 °dH
Aquarium 700 l
US Units
Size 5.9"-7.1"
Temperature 75-82 °F
Hardness 267-320 ppm
Aquarium 200 gal

Distribution and habitat

The filament fin cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in southwestern Lake Tanganyika, between Kabamba Bay in Congo and Cape Chipimbi in Tanzania. They live in the shallow shore areas with rocks and boulders.

Maintenance

The aquarium setup should have rock structures, with shelters, hiding places (crevices, caves) and open sandy areas, as well as plenty of swimming space.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and the oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size and a heater are required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones and the microorganisms contained therein. The food supply consists of algae leaves, crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables, and dry food with vegetable components, such as kelp and spirulina. In addition, some live food, such as Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia, which is also accepted in frozen form, supplemented with frozen special food mixtures.

A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).

Behaviour and compatibility

They are very territorial within the species and should be kept singly or in a large group of 10-15 animals. It is recommended to put a group of juveniles into the aquarium at the same time. Thereby social structures are formed, which reduce territorial disputes. Group strangers are often fiercely fought. They should only be socialized with other cichlids from Lake Tanganyika

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Sexually mature males have egg spots.

Reproduction and breeding

They are maternal mouth brooders. Immediately after spawning on a rock, the females take the eggs, 10-20 of them, into their throat sac for mouthbrooding. They keep the fry in their throat sac even after hatching. After about 4 weeks, the fry are released, but are cared for another week before brood care ends.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the fry are easy prey.

Important

They have bulging lips studded with three-pointed teeth with which they can rasp the growth from stones.

Red mosquito larvae should not be fed, as they can damage the digestive tract.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF