Synonym:   Haplochromis piceatus

Common Name:  Pitch Black Fulu

Photo by:  Craig Storms

Description

Yssichromis piceatus is a haplochromine endemic to Lake Victoria. It is a zooplanktivore typically found in open water over a mud or sandy bottom. It is a harem spawner with dominant males coloring up with pitch black bodies and bright red edges along the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Females mouthbrood. In the aquarium they are adaptable to a range of water conditions but prefer hard alkaline water in the mid to upper 70s F. Best kept in groups in a minimum 40 gallon breeder but appreciate larger tanks such as a 60 gallon breeder or 75 gallon 4' tanks. They are voratious eaters and adapt to a wide variety of frozen and pellet prepared foods.

CARES Family:   Cichlidae - Lake Victoria

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution:   Lake Victoria