Pyxichromis orthostoma Care Guide
Pyxichromis orthostoma is a predatory haplochromine cichlid from the East African lakes, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Overview
Pyxichromis orthostoma is a predatory haplochromine cichlid of the family Cichlidae from the East African Great Lakes region. It has an elongate body and jaw adapted for capturing prey. FishBase records it from the Lake Kyoga system, part of the wider Lake Victoria drainage. It is maintained as a conservation strain in the aquarium hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pyxichromis
- Scientific name: Pyxichromis orthostoma
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Lake Kyoga system in East Africa, a freshwater drainage connected to Lake Victoria. It is a benthopelagic species of tropical lakes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Pyxichromis orthostoma is a carnivore and predator, with an elongate jaw suited to capturing smaller fish and invertebrates. In aquaria it is fed meaty foods around twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, predatory species. It is best kept with similarly sized Lake Victoria haplochromines and should not be combined with much smaller fish that could be eaten, nor with dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
FishBase records Pyxichromis orthostoma as a maternal mouthbrooder, with the female carrying fertilised eggs and fry in the buccal cavity.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Pyxichromis orthostoma as Vulnerable. Lake Victoria basin haplochromines have suffered major declines, which is why captive populations are maintained as conservation strains.