Sambirano cichlid
Ptychochromis oligacanthus
The Sambirano cichlid is found worldwide exclusively in northern Madagascar and some offshore islands. It is therefore only found in a small distribution area covering around 3500 km². Its name is derived from the Sambirano River in which it lives. It is also found in the crater lakes on the island of Nosy Be, which has earned it the second name of Nosy Be cichlid.
The greatest threat to this species is overfishing and the loss of its habitat. The populations in the crater lakes are less threatened by this.
| Classification | Cichlids (1700 species) |
| Habitat | Lakes, rivers and brackish water |
| Behaviour | In small shoals |
| Diet | Insects, molluscs, crustaceans, algae |
| Body length | up to 25 cm |
| Clutch | 100 - 250 eggs are spawned in and on the bottom substrate. Both parents care for the brood and guard the eggs. |
| Breeding time | 8-10 days |
| Life expectancy | unknown |
| Use | Food resource |
| Current population | unknown, but declining |
| At Zurich Zoo since | 2024 |
Distribution
