Piceatus
Haplochromis piceatus
Piceatus is a rare Lake Victoria haplochromine with a compact body and strong male color potential. It is a meaningful species for dedicated Victorian cichlid keepers because stable captive populations help keep this fish represented in the hobby.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Victoria.
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Natural Habitat: Muddy-bottom and lake habitat; aquarium setups should provide sand, rock cover, and open swimming areas.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 5-6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; males can become dark bluish to black with orange fin accents, while females are grayish.
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Body Shape: Compact haplochromine body with an active swimming profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best with similar-size Victorian cichlids or moderately assertive African cichlids.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Use sand, rockwork, caves, open swimming space, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display and females hold eggs and fry in the mouth. Fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Similar-size Victorian cichlids and moderately assertive Malawi peacocks or haps.
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Avoid: Tiny fish, very aggressive tank mates, and soft-water community setups.
Conservation Status
The Yssichromis piceatus species are listed by CARES as Critically Endangered and assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.
