Scale Eater (Perissodus microlepis) Care Guide
Perissodus microlepis is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Overview
Perissodus microlepis is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of 11.0 cm total length. It feeds by tearing scales from other fish, targeting prey that are feeding from the algal layer or are otherwise inattentive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Perissodus microlepis
- Described by: Boulenger, 1898
- Other names: Tanganyikan Scale Eater
It is a specialised scale-eater (lepidophage). The mouth is asymmetric: some individuals have jaws twisted to the left (taking scales from the prey’s right flank) and others twisted to the right. The relative frequency of the two morphs in a population is regulated by frequency-dependent selection.
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L (92 gal)
- Adult size: 9-12 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It feeds by tearing scales from other fish, targeting prey that are feeding from the algal layer or are otherwise inattentive; recorded prey include Tropheus and Pseudosimochromis (trophic level ~4.2).
Compatibility
Perissodus microlepis is a semi-aggressive species that occupies the middle water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Larger Lamprologines with thick scales. Avoid combining it with Long-finned fish, Small fish.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.