Hippo Point Salmon (Ptyochromis sp.) Care Guide
The Hippo Point Salmon is a Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlid that feeds on snails in the wild. It is an assertive maternal mouthbrooder and a valued conservation strain.
Overview
The Hippo Point Salmon is a haplochromine cichlid from Lake Victoria, traded as Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon" after its type locality at Hippo Point in the south-west of the lake. Ptyochromis is today treated as a synonym of Haplochromis. The fish is part of the Lake Victoria species flock and is kept as a conservation strain.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Ptyochromis (synonym of Haplochromis)
- Scientific name: Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon"
- Note: undescribed trade form
Habitat
The fish originates from Lake Victoria, where it occupies muddy and sandy areas and feeds on snails. Wild populations were almost driven to extinction by the introduction of the highly predatory Nile perch, which is why aquarium populations are considered important to the species' continued survival.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Substrate: sand
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Hard, alkaline water and a sandy floor with rocky structures match the species' natural conditions.
Diet
In the wild the Hippo Point Salmon is a snail-eater (molluscivore), though snails are less central in captivity. It readily accepts good-quality flake or granular food, supplemented with frozen items such as bloodworm, mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimp and Mysis.
Compatibility
It is one of the more assertive Victorian cichlids and should be kept in groups, ideally with two or more females per male. Suitable tank mates include other robust Victorian haplochromines, Astatotilapia and Synodontis catfish, while Lake Malawi Mbuna, Tropheus and gentle fish like Discus and dwarf cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
This is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female incubates the eggs in her mouth for up to three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry, and the species is readily bred in the home aquarium.