Madagascan community

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Paretroplus maculatus is one of the snail eaters from Madagascar, I've had them for a few years, they started out at about 3" back then and range 6-8" now. They seem to do best in groups of 4 or more, and because they are inefficient predators, can exist with relatively small fish, without eating them. I've kept them with many Central and South American cichlids without incident.

They have spawned for me many times, but I've yet to get fry. I will try removing the eggs next time if the surface is small enough to remove, usually it's been a 4ft log, almost impossible to remove successfully.

I've also had the close cousin P menerambo, which seem to get much larger, ny group easily attained 14", very similar, but lacking the large spot on the flank.
 
Beautiful fish there. Thanks for sharing info on some I am not as familiar with.
 
I'm guessing Madagascar must have more snails in it's streams than West Africa, I can't picture keeping a group of buttikoferi together like that.
 
Many Paretroplus seem to be a very primitive cichlid, almost acting more like a salt water, schooling reef fish than a normal cichlid. Maybe the closest evolutionary link between the wrasses and cichlids.
Although for me, the lamena, Paretroplus nourisatti had a very similar aggressive nature to buttikoferi when kept together, killing each other in short order.
 
Duanes,

What temperature do you keep your maculatus at?
 
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