Lacustricola pumilus (Boulenger 1906)

 

Meaning of Name

Small. In reference to the small size of the type material.

First Description

Boulenger. G.A. 1906.

Fourth contribution to the ichthyology of Lake Tanganyika. Report on the collection of fishes made by Dr.Cunnington, during the third Tanganyikan expedition, 1904-1905.

Transactions of the Zoological Society of London 17 (6): 554.

Size

Males 55 mm, females 50 mm TL (Wildekamp).

Meristics
  • D = 10-11, A = 14-15, ll = 27-29 (Boulenger 1906)
  • D = 10, A = 14-15, ll 29-31 (Boulenger 1919)
  • D = 10-12, A = 14-16 (Brichard 1978)
Karyotype

Sub-Genus

Group

Synonyms
  • Haplochilus pumilus Boulenger 1906
  • Haplochilichthys pumilus Ahl 1924
  • Micropanchax (Lacustricola) pumilus Myers 1924
  • Micropanchax pumilus Myers 1924
  • Aplocheilichthys pumilus Myers 1936
  • Haplochilus dhonti Boulenger 1919
  • Micropanchax dhonti Myers 1936
  • Aplocheilichthys dhonti Myers 1936
  • Haplochilichthys dhonti David & Poll 1937

Populations

  • Burundi
  • Burundi, CI 2008
  • Rusizi River Delta
  • Ujiji
  • Zambia
Type Locality

Kitutu, southern end of Lake Tanganyika.

Distribution

Restricted to Lake Tanganyika, its tributaries & drainages.

Habitat

Brichard in Fishes of Lake Tanganyika reported the species living in 'swamps & lagoons near the lake edge and is not found in the lake itself but all along the lake perimeter'. He also noted eggs were resistant to a strong copper sulfate solution. Fish thrived in DH5 with a neutral or slightly acid pH.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Colour/Pattern Variability
History

Breeding Notes

I have bred this species in a 15" square tank with a large brown mop suspended in the middle of the tank.
I have bred the species in my tap water which is pH 8, DH 10.
Eggs can be water incubated for 2 weeks before hatching. Fry can take newly hatched brine shrimp as a first food.

Diameter of Egg
Remarks

This is a species which benefits from regular water changes. High build ups of disolved wastes should be avoided.