Petrochromis Famula care guide
Petrochromis Famula (Petrochromis famula) — minimum tank 500 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.5-9.2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Petrochromis famula is a medium-sized Tanganyikan Petrochromis reaching about 16 cm. The body is dusky brown to charcoal-grey, sometimes with light blue scaling along the back; males develop bright yellow ventral fins in breeding condition. The species inhabits the southern Tanganyika shore.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Petrochromis
- Scientific name: Petrochromis famula
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it grazes the algal turf on rocky shores. Tanganyika water is hard and alkaline (pH 8.5-9.2, KH 12-20), with stable warm temperatures and very high dissolved oxygen. Petrochromis species are confined to specific stretches of shoreline and form large foraging groups over the upper rocky zone.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L (132.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 13-16 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A strict aufwuchs grazer with tightly packed comb-like teeth used to scrape biofilm from the rocks. In aquaria a vegetable-rich diet of spirulina pellets and blanched vegetables is essential; protein-heavy diets cause severe bloat. Large adults consume substantial quantities of food.
Compatibility
Aggressive and territorial; demands very large tanks (500+ L) with extensive rockwork and a single-species colony or pairing with other large herbivorous Tanganyikans. Do not mix with smaller mbuna-style fish that cannot withstand the pressure; multiple males must each have enough rock territory.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The male defends a small flat rock and entices females to spawn; the female holds eggs and wrigglers for about four weeks before releasing the fry, which already feed on aufwuchs.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. Most Petrochromis are widely distributed within Lake Tanganyika and assessed as Least Concern; however, the genus is collected for the ornamental trade and shoreline-specific morphs are more vulnerable.
Breeding Petrochromis famula
Overview
Petrochromis famula is endemic to the northern end of Lake Tanganyika, where solitary adults graze biocover from rocks with specialised rasping mouthparts. FishBase gives a maximum length of around 15 cm and confirms maternal mouthbrooding, with females of roughly 8.7-9.5 cm holding eggs and larvae of up to about 2 cm. Seriously Fish documents the species as a maternal mouthbrooder, providing detailed captive breeding data.
Sexing
According to Seriously Fish, males are more colourful and develop pointed dorsal, anal and pelvic fins, while females are plainer. Because the differences are gradual, sexing is most reliable in adult, well-conditioned specimens.
Conditioning
Diet must be high in fibre and low in protein. Seriously Fish recommends vegetable matter such as spirulina flake and blanched spinach or lettuce as the staple, with only small supplements of brine shrimp, Daphnia or bloodworm. This mirrors the wild diet of rasped algae and protects the digestive system from bloat.
Breeding Setup
A rocky aquascape with caves and open swimming areas over sand suits the species. The recommended breeding arrangement is a single male with several females. Aggression toward conspecifics is high, but Seriously Fish notes it reduces in busier, well-stocked tanks with robust companions; interspecific aggression is more pronounced in species-only setups. Hard, alkaline water at 24-27 °C is appropriate.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The female takes the eggs into her mouth, where they are fertilised, and then carries the brood. Stable water quality and steady conditioning on a fibre-rich diet drive spawning readiness, while the dominant male courts females within his grazing territory.
Egg & Fry Care
Seriously Fish reports the female holds up to about 60 eggs for around four weeks without feeding. Released fry are large, around 1 cm, and accept adult food immediately, growing rapidly when fed frequently. Fry should be kept on the same fibre-rich, low-protein diet as the adults.
Common Challenges
The main difficulties are managing conspecific aggression and avoiding the digestive bloat associated with excess protein. Providing enough space, the right tankmates and a strictly herbivorous diet are key to consistent spawns.