Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Nigeria" Care Guide
A Nigerian local form of Pelvicachromis taeniatus from rainforest streams; a soft-water cave-spawning dwarf cichlid suited to planted tanks.
Overview
"Nigeria" is a Nigerian local form of Pelvicachromis taeniatus, a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. FishBase records P. taeniatus from east Benin to Nigeria, restricted to freshwater regions near the coast, including the Niger delta. Seriously Fish lists "Nigeria Red" among the recognised colour forms of the species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Nigeria"
- Note: Nigerian trade local form of Pelvicachromis taeniatus
Habitat
FishBase classes P. taeniatus as a demersal tropical freshwater fish. Seriously Fish describes the habitat as still and slow-moving forest streams and rivers that are often heavily vegetated.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (Aquairi KB); FishBase 22-25 °C; Seriously Fish 22-26 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (Aquairi KB); FishBase 6.0-8.0; Seriously Fish 5.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH (Aquairi KB); FishBase dH 5-12
- Maximum size: about 7.1 cm SL (FishBase); males to about 8 cm (Seriously Fish)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
An omnivore. Seriously Fish recommends that live and frozen foods form the bulk of the diet, supplemented with prepared foods.
Compatibility
Generally shy but territorial when breeding. Seriously Fish lists suitable companions including small characins, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras and Loricariids, given adequate space. Different P. taeniatus local forms should not be cross-bred so that line purity is maintained.
Breeding
A cave-spawning substrate brooder forming monogamous pairs. FishBase notes eggs may be deposited in niches and crevices, below roots, bark and larger leaves. Per Seriously Fish, eggs hatch in about two to three days and fry become free-swimming after seven to eight days, with both parents guarding the brood.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 22 April 2019), per FishBase, with high resilience.