Although the species Pachypanchax sakaramyi – it originates from the Sakaramy River on Madagascar – was described as early as 1928, it could not be found for decades afterwards and even was referred to the realm of legends. It was not until the 1990s that they were found again. From these animals (5 pairs), which Paul Loiselle was able to collect in October 1994, all animals living today in aquaria originate.
Unfortunately, the population in nature has developed very negatively. At present, the species is considered “critically endangered”. After that only “extinct” remains! One of the last populations was destroyed by drinking water withdrawals for private residences and a monastery, now there is only one confirmed occurrence of the species in a river section between Ambohitra and the village Sakaramy. Originally this beautiful killi probably occured along a mountain range (the Ambohitra mountains). There it is said to have been exterminated by introduced Guppies and Gambuses, which eat the young fish of Pachypanchax; the incessant deforestation gave the remaining populations the rest.
Fortunately, P. sakaramyi can be traded freely, so you can contribute to the conservation of the species without the hassle of bureaucracy by buying these beautiful fish. The requirements of the species are easy to meet: medium-hard water, pH around 7.5 and temperatures between 20 and 25°C are acceptable. They are robust killis, which can also be well maintained in community tanks, but not with very small and delicate fish.
For our customers: the animals have code 342452 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade. Only available in small quantities!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
