Skip to main content
  • Loiselle's cichlid

    Ptychochromis loisellei

    The Loiselle's cichlid is a species of cichlid endemic to northern Madagascar. Its already very small distribution area of only approx. 5000 km² is heavily deforested, which leads to increased soil erosion and thus sedimentation of the waters. The species is also endangered due to overfishing and competing, introduced fish species. Due to its endangered status, breeding programs for this species are of crucial importance. During the mating season, the body coloration of the Loiselle's cichlid changes from an inconspicuous blue-green to a bright golden yellow.

    Classification Percomorpha, cichlids (1700 species)
    Habitat Lakes and rivers
    Behaviour In small shoals, mixed sexes
    Food Insects, molluscs, crustaceans, algae
    Body length 12-20 cm
    Brood Up to 400 eggs are spawned preferably on stones. Both parents take care of the brood and guard the eggs (open brooders).
    Brood duration a few days
    Life expectancy Unknown
    Use Food fish
    Current population Unknown, but declining
    At Zurich Zoo since 2024

    Distribution

    Verbreitungskarte Loiselle-Madagaskarbuntbarsch
    Image

    Conservation status

    IUCN RedList