The Red List of endangered animal and plant species is getting longer and longer. The cause is almost invariably the destruction of the natural habitat. In the case of freshwater fish, species with a small distribution area are always particularly endangered. In addition to factors such as environmental pollution, deforestation and water extraction for agriculture, the icing on the cake is the fact that wherever fish can still survive, food fish such as carp, tilapia or other perch are released for angling purposes, eating away the native species’ food and destroying the natural food chains.
Almost all of Madagascar’s cichlids are on red lists. We have already reported on Ptychochromis oligacanthus several times, most recently here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/ptychochromis-oligacanthus-2/
Now we have received the species from the conservation breeding programme of Citizen Conservation, an organization that prevents the final extinction of animal species through ex-situ breeding.
Ptychochromis oligacanthus is a wonderful example of how the wildlife trade is a good addition to the conservation breeding of endangered species. Whether threatened or not, Ptychochromis oligacanthus is a productive fish and the question quickly arises: what to do with the numerous offspring? The trade represents a source of purchase and income for breeders, who can thus continue their good work. And for private aquarists, conservation breeding is of course a double benefit. By buying them, they support the program and can enjoy great fish at home!
For our customers: the animals have code 574163 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
