Endangered Madagascar fish

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castro1212

castro1212

Gambusia
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2012
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metairie louisiana
A while back before I knew of MFK there was an article on the web talking about endangered Madagascar cichlids? I know it was from Madagascar not sure about the cichlid part anyways on to my point they were asking if people could raise/breed them in aquariums to help increase the population of certain species. I was very interested in doing so but was lost with where do I start. How would I even be able to get a some fish to raise and try to get a pair? Anyone remember that article or know more about this? I'd like to try and help if there is a species that's small enough to be comfortable in a 40 gallon


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Most Madagascans are either critical or threatened because of environmental degradation, and introduction of invasive species.
MFK member cichlasoman (Jose) has many successful Madagascar breeders, and is not far (in relative terms) from you.
I have had success breeding 1 species, and many spawns from others without success.
I believe my lack of success with the others, is in part due to the fact that none of my tanks provided enough space (most are in the @ 100 gal range). They seem to do best in pond situations.
Here are some of mine that have spawned but never got beyond the eggs stage.





my only success was with Ptychochromis oligacanthus, below
 
Most cichlids from Madagascar grow large and so require large aquaria to support breeding groups. I think you could keep Ptychochromis species in 40 gallons, maybe a trio. Alternatively, there are Malagasy killie fish of the genus Pachypanchax or rainbow fish Bedotia that are equally endangered and may be mixed with Ptychochromis oligoacanthus for example.
Members of the genus Paretroplus are way too large with the possible exception of kieneri which may do ok in your tank.
 
Pachypanchax and Bedotia are often sold in aquabid. Kieneri is hard to come around- check Davesfish.com or Old World (this last one has a minimum order). I have oligoacanthus but are 1/2 inch, too small still.
 
Here are a few more great resources

http://www.cichlidae.com/article.php?id=97&lang=pl

http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-mag...quarium/february-2009/cichlid-madagascar.aspx

http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/sonia_dave.html

In addition to the extensive knowledge of a handful of members on mfk, the most comprehensive book I've seen is "The Endemic Cichlids of Madagascar" by Patrick de Rham and the late Jean Claude Nourissat.

http://madagroup.francecichlid.com/articles.php?lng=en&pg=135

Dr. Paul Loiselle is another renowned expert of Madagascar cichlids with innumerable publications.

Hope this helps.

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