Petrotilapia tridentiger Care Guide
Petrotilapia tridentiger is a large algae-grazing mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi's rocky shores, needing a spacious tank and tough tank mates.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Petrotilapia tridentiger is a robust mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, described by Trewavas in 1935 as the type species of its genus. It uses tricuspid teeth and a large mouth to graze the algal biocover on rocks. Dominant males develop deep blue colouration and defend territories vigorously.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Petrotilapia
- Scientific name: Petrotilapia tridentiger
- Tribe: Haplochromini (mbuna group)
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi and is widespread on most rocky shores, where it prefers shallow waters with rocky substrate. FishBase reports it feeding from the sediment-free biocover that grows on these rocks, a niche shared by other Aufwuchs-grazing mbuna.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Aquascape: rockwork with caves and crevices
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
This is a herbivore adapted to scraping algae. FishBase notes it feeds using tricuspid teeth on the biocover of rocks. In the aquarium a vegetable-based diet is appropriate; foods high in animal protein should be limited to avoid digestive problems common in algae-grazing mbuna.
Compatibility
Petrotilapia tridentiger is highly territorial and aggressive. It should be housed only with similarly robust mbuna and bottom dwellers such as Synodontis multipunctatus in a large tank. It must not be combined with peaceful species, including discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma, rams or gentle mbuna such as yellow labs.
Breeding
Like other Malawi haplochromines, the species is a maternal mouthbrooder, with the female incubating eggs and fry in her buccal cavity. Captive breeding is rated intermediate in difficulty.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Petrotilapia tridentiger as Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018).
Petrotilapia tridentiger Breeding Guide
Overview
Petrotilapia tridentiger is the type species of Petrotilapia, a genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi described by Trewavas in 1935. It is a large algae-grazing mbuna of the rocky shore that, like almost all Lake Malawi cichlids, reproduces by maternal mouthbrooding. The female incubates the eggs in her mouth and releases free-swimming fry after about three weeks. Because the species is large and very territorial, breeders work with mature groups in spacious tanks rather than single pairs.
Sexing
Males are strongly coloured, showing a blue body with vertically barred patterning, yellow markings on the throat and around the lips, and egg-shaped spots on the dorsal and anal fins. Females retain a duller brown to grey appearance and the same barred pattern without the blue overlay. Dominant males develop the most intense colour and aggressively hold a territory among the rocks.
Conditioning
Although the genus is adapted to comb aufwuchs from filamentous algae on rock with specialised teeth, P. tridentiger is reported to be a more omnivorous feeder that takes zooplankton, phytoplankton, detritus and even fish fry and eggs when available. A varied vegetable-rich diet keeps breeding stock in condition; over-feeding rich animal foods is avoided in algae-grazing mbuna to reduce digestive problems.
Breeding Setup
A harem of one male with two or more females is recommended so the male divides his attention and a single female is not constantly chased. Because adults reach roughly 12-19 cm and males defend rock dens, a large aquarium is essential; sources recommend a tank of at least 200 cm in length (around 750 litres) with plenty of rockwork to break sightlines and provide spawning territories.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
A dominant male establishes and cleans a territory among the rocks and displays to receptive females. The female deposits eggs and immediately takes them into her mouth; she then attempts to collect the egg-like spots on the male's fins, at which point milt is released and the eggs are fertilised inside her mouth.
Egg & Fry Care
The female carries the developing brood in her mouth for about three weeks, after which she releases free-swimming fry. A heavily decorated tank with abundant rock cover gives fry refuge in a community of robust mbuna.