Paraneetroplus bulleri – Sarabia Cichlid
Paraneetroplus bulleri was first described scientifically by Charles Tate Regan in 1905. The fish belongs to the family of cichlids (Cichlidae).
The genus name Paraneetroplus is derived from Greek: “para” means “near” or “related to,” and “neetroplus” refers to another genus of cichlids with rigid anal fin rays. The name thus suggests a kinship with this other genus, but with distinctive characteristics. The species name bulleri is a tribute to Dr. Audley Cecil Buller (1853-1894), an American naturalist and collector of mammals, reptiles and fishes who discovered this fish during an expedition in Mexico.
Synonyms for Paraneetroplus bulleri: Cichlasoma bulleri
Appearance, Behavior and Life Expectancy of Paraneetroplus bulleri
Paraneetroplus bulleri has an elongated, laterally flattened body. The head is yellow to greenish in color, as are the flanks. Depending on age and mood, red areas appear on the fish. Dark, vertical stripes are often seen on the flanks, which can vary in intensity depending on the fish’s mood and environment. The fins are often brightly colored, with shades of yellow, orange or red. The maximum length of this fish species is 22 to 25 cm.
Sex differences and juveniles
The documents do not provide a detailed description of the physical differences between males and females Paraneetroplus bulleri. It does mention that the breeding of this species is successful only with a well-matched pair, implying that behavioral and possibly subtle physical differences do exist that determine mating. Juvenile specimens are less brightly colored than adult fish; their stripes are less pronounced.
Behavior and Temperament
Paraneetroplus bulleri is a territorial fish that can be mildly aggressive toward conspecifics and other fish, especially during the breeding season. They are most active during this period. They do not live in schools, but rather as a pair or solitary, marking a territory. They are bottom dwellers that appreciate hiding places among rocks and plants. They are not necessarily shy, but do need shelter.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of Paraneetroplus bulleri in the wild is unknown, but in an aquarium they can live for 10 to 15 years.
Biotope and Ecology of Paraneetroplus bulleri
Paraneetroplus bulleri is native to Mexico. In Mexico, they live specifically in the Atlantic coastal strip, in the basin of the Coatzacoalcos River. Their natural habitat consists of rivers with a sandy bottom.
Diet
Diet in the wild: In their natural habitat, Paraneetroplus bulleri feed mainly on algal mats (aufwuchs) that they scrape off rocks and stones. They also eat other small organisms that they find in the rapid flow of the river. The exact composition of their diet in the wild is not fully documented.
Diet in the aqu arium: In an aquarium, Paraneetroplus bulleri can be fed a varied diet containing both plant and animal components. Good options are:
- Crustaceans such as Artemia (larvae and adults), Cyclops, Daphnia, Mysis and krill. Start with a higher proportion of animal foods for young fish, and gradually switch to more plant foods as they get older.
- Vegetable foods such as cooked peas, lettuce, endive, spinach, cucumber and dandelion leaves.
- High quality dry food, specially designed for herbivorous cichlids.
It is important not to overfeed, as these fish are voracious eaters and can literally eat themselves to death. A varied diet ensures optimal health and vibrant colors.
The Aquarium
For a single pair of Paraneetroplus bulleri, an aquarium at least 300 cm long is recommended. Multiple pairs require a considerably larger aquarium, with the exact dimensions depending on the number of pairs and the space available. Furnishings should include a sandy bottom, rocks to create hiding places and demarcate territories, and possibly some plants. A powerful filter that provides strong water movement is essential .
The ideal water conditions for Paraneetroplus bulleri are a temperature between 24 and 28°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a hardness (GH) between 5 and 15°dH. Regular water changes are important to maintain water quality.
Compatibility with other fish:
Paraneetroplus bulleri is a mild-aggressive species best kept alone or in pairs with conspecifics. Keeping them together with other, also mild-aggressive cichlids of similar size may be possible, but requires careful observation and a spacious aquarium. It is not recommended to keep them together with smaller or less robust fish, as the Paraneetroplus bulleri may attack them. The choice of co-inhabitants requires thorough research and a good knowledge of the behavior of the different fish species.
Breeding Paraneetroplus bulleri
A successful breeding succeeds only with a well-matched pair. We therefore recommend purchasing 6-8 young specimens and allowing pair formation to take place. The eggs are deposited on a flat stone and fertilized. The eggs hatch after two days. After hatching, the larvae are housed in crevices and nesting pits between stones. Here the larvae stay for another five days until their yolk sac is used up. Then they begin to swim freely. There is parental care by both parents. The young remain under parental care approximately until they are 2 cm in size.
The young are sensitive to pollution and temperature changes, so regular water changes are essential. They can be raised with Artemia nauplii.
Video
Authors
Jan Bukkems – Aquavisie
John de Lange
Copyright images
Jeff Rapps – Tangledupincichlids.com (original website no longer online)
Gerobuam Hernandez – CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
