New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Critically Endangered 🌡️ Tropical

Black Madagascar cichlid

Ptychochromoides itasy Sparks, 2004
Max Length
12.3 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Black Madagascar cichlid (Ptychochromoides itasy) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.3 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Ptychochromoides itasy
Authority
Sparks, 2004
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
CR
Max Length
12.3 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Differs from congeners by the presence of a pronounced occipital hump, regardless of size, sexual maturity or sex; shorter predorsal length; more elongate terminal dorsal-fin spine; and shorter snout .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Black Madagascar cichlid is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Black Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Black Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical central Madagascar.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.3±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01995 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
12.3cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Critically Endangered
Assessment Date
2016

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
18.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Sparks, 2004

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Black Madagascar cichlid ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.