Pseudosimochromis babaulti

Pseudosimochromis babaulti

Pseudosimochromis babaulti was first described by Pellegrin in 1927. Jacques Pellegrin was a French zoologist specializing in fish.

Pseudosimochromis babaulti belongs to the family Cichlidae (cichlids) and the order Cichliformes. Within the Cichlidae, this species belongs to the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae and the genus Pseudosimochromis. The genus Pseudosimochromis was described by Nelissen in 1977.

The name Pseudosimochromis is composed of the Greek word “pseudo-,” meaning “false,” and “Simochromis,” the genus to which these fish resemble. The name indicates that, although the genus Pseudosimochromis resembles Simochromis (at the time, the only species was P. curvifrons, which was previously classified as Simochromis), this resemblance is not actually true. Simochromis (at the time, the only species was P. curvifrons, which was previously classified as Simochromis), this resemblance is not accurate; it is therefore a ‘false’ Simochromis.

The species name babaulti is a tribute to Guy Babault (1888–1963), a French traveler, naturalist, conservationist, and collector, who collected the type specimen.

Synonyms: Simochromis babaulti, Simochromis pleurospilus, Pseudosimochromis pleurospilus.

Description

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is a cichlid that can reach a maximum total length of approximately 12 centimeters. In an aquarium, this fish can grow to a good 10 centimeters in length.

This species is characterized by its downward-facing mouth and steeply sloping forehead. The basic color of the body is a dirty greenish-yellow, which becomes lighter towards the belly. From the rear edge of the gill cover to the base of the tail fin, there are 8 to 9 broad, black transverse stripes. The back, forehead, mouth, and throat appear to be covered with a blackish powdery layer. All fins are milky transparent, with the exception of the male’s dorsal fin.

Differences between males and females (physical and behavioral)

Pseudosimochromis babaulti exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, meaning that there are clear differences between males and females.

• Physical:
  • Males: Only males have a black longitudinal stripe on their dorsal fin. They also have egg spots on their anal fin.
  • Females: Females do not have these egg spots on their anal fin. Females can also change their color pattern quickly; they can make their entire color pattern disappear or reappear within a short period of time.
• Behavior:
  • Males: Males are very territorial and consider the entire aquarium to be their property. They are very aggressive towards each other, which in an aquarium that is too small can even lead to the death of the underlying rival.
  • Females: Females can, given the opportunity, occupy a territory just as easily.

Behavior and temperament

In terms of behavior, this fish is classified among the Tropheus species. They are very aggressive towards each other and also try to gain dominance over other fish. Males are very territorial and can express aggression towards other males. It is recommended not to keep the fish in a small group, as the aggression can then be too concentrated. A larger group (more than 20 fish) can better distribute the aggression, although the dominant male will still claim a large part of the aquarium. Other Tropheus species can provide some distraction.

They swim in the lower and middle parts of the water.

Biotope

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is a freshwater fish endemic to Africa, specifically Lake Tanganyika. This means that the species is found exclusively in this lake and nowhere else in the world.

The main habitat is Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species is also known to occur in the Lukuga River, the outflow of Lake Tanganyika, up to the Kisimba-Kilia rapids.

Description of the natural habitat (vegetation, banks, substrate)

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is mainly found in the transition zones of Lake Tanganyika, in shallow water and in habitats with plant growth. They occur above sandy and rocky areas.

Diet

Food in the wild

In their natural habitat, Lake Tanganyika, the diet of Pseudosimochromis babaulti consists mainly of aufwuchs, which is a complex of algae and small organisms that grows on rocks and other surfaces. Research into the digestive tracts of these fish by Belgian scientist Max Poll (1956) has shown that they feed on filamentous algae and small particles of organic sediment. Plants are also highly valued as a food source in the wild.

Food in the aquarium

In the aquarium, it is important to provide a diet rich in plant components.

• Plant-based food: It is best to give plant-based food based on spirulina. Finely chopped, blanched spinach or lettuce can also be offered.
• Dry food: Flake food such as Tetraphyll can be used as an alternative to fresh plant-based food. Various flake foods are eagerly eaten, both from the water column and from the bottom.
• Live food: In addition to plant-based food, they also eat live food, such as large brine shrimp and insect larvae. However, they are primarily herbivores, so feed them live food very sparingly.

The Aquarium

A minimum aquarium length of 120 centimeters is recommended for keeping Pseudosimochromis babaulti. This is particularly important due to the territorial and aggressive behavior of the males.

For multiple pairs or a larger group, an even larger aquarium is desirable. In a larger group (more than 20 fish), aggression can be better distributed, although the dominant male will still claim a large part of the aquarium. A small group with one male and up to five females can be kept in a 120 cm long aquarium.

Aquarium setup

The aquarium setup must take into account the natural habitat and behavior of Pseudosimochromis babaulti.

• Substrate: Sand or fine rounded gravel should be used as soil substrate.
• Rocks and hiding places: Stable rock structures should be placed in the background of the aquarium, with as many crevices and cavities as possible. These serve as retreats and hiding places for the females and subordinate fish.
• Plants: When planting the aquarium, this fish must be taken into account. Large fields of Vallisneria can be minimized in a short time, because the fish see plants as a food source. Tiger lotuses and Anubias plants are left reasonably alone. Also keep in mind that the mating spots can cause plant roots to become loose.

Suitable water parameters

Pseudosimochromis babaulti thrives best at the following water values, which correspond to those of Lake Tanganyika:

• Temperature: 24°C – 26°C.
• pH: 7.5 – 8.5.
• Hardness (dH): 10 – 20 dGH.

Suitable and unsuitable tankmates

• Suitable tank mates: This species can be kept together with other Tropheus species, which can provide some distraction and help to disperse aggression.
• Unsuitable tank mates: Due to their mutual aggression and attempts to dominate other fish, it is important to choose tank mates carefully. Fish that are too small or too passive may be suppressed.

Breeding aquarium and conditioning

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is best bred in a specially equipped species tank measuring at least 120 centimeters in length, with a small group consisting of one male and up to five females. This aquarium also serves as a breeding aquarium. The water values for breeding are the same as for general keeping: a temperature between 24°C and 26°C, a pH value of 7.5 to 8.5, and a hardness of 10 to 20 dGH.

Conditioning

A varied and nutritious diet is important for bringing the fish into breeding condition.

• Food: The diet should be rich in plant-based components, such as plant-based food based on spirulina. Finely chopped, blanched spinach or lettuce can also be offered. Alternatively, flake food can be used. Live food, such as large brine shrimp and insect larvae, can also be given to provide the fish with extra stimulation.
• Ratio in breeding group: For successful breeding, it is recommended to keep a small group with one male and up to five females. This helps to distribute the male’s aggression and increase the chance of successful spawning.

The Spawn

Colors during courtship, spawn location

During spawn, female Pseudosimochromis babaulti can rapidly change their color pattern, causing their entire color pattern to disappear or reappear.

The eggs are laid in a location prepared by the male. This can be a pit that the male creates in the sand, or the cleaned top of a stone that is used for this purpose.

Type of brood care

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is a maternal mouthbrooder. This means that the female takes the fertilized eggs into her mouth and incubates them there, and later also protects the young fish.

Number, size, and color of eggs

A clutch of Pseudosimochromis babaulti consists of approximately 8 to 15 eggs. The exact number depends on the size of the female.

Raising the Young Fish

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is a maternal mouthbrooder, which means that the female carries the eggs and later the larvae in her mouth. The young fish are released by the female after about 4 to 5 weeks. This is the period when they start swimming freely. Larvae up to a length of 1.47 cm (total length) are carried in the mouth by the female parents.

Parental care

Parental care is carried out entirely by the female. She incubates the eggs in her mouth and protects the young fish for 4 to 5 weeks. Even after the young have been released and are swimming freely, the female will take them back into her mouth for protection if danger threatens.

First feeding, water change, survival rate

Once the young fish are swimming freely and have been released by the female, they can be raised on Artemia nauplii (newly hatched brine shrimp) and finely ground dry food.

Conclusion

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is an intriguing cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, known for its dirty greenish-yellow color with black cross stripes and a characteristic underslung mouth. Males are distinguished by a black longitudinal band on the dorsal fin and egg spots on the anal fin, while females can quickly change their color pattern. This territorial and aggressive fish lives in the wild in transition zones with rocks and plants, where it feeds on aufwuchs and algae. In the aquarium, it requires a plant-based diet.

For aquarium enthusiasts, Pseudosimochromis babaulti is considered a beginner species, despite its aggressive nature. An aquarium of at least 120 centimeters with sufficient hiding places and a sandy bottom is important. Keeping a small group with one male and several females, or a very large group (more than 20) in combination with other Tropheus species, can help to distribute the aggression. Noteworthy is the ability of females to change color quickly and their tendency to eat plants. Personal experience suggests that a larger group is preferable in order to control mutual aggression.

Author

Copyright images

Mattia Matarrese
Hubert Szczygieł – CC BY-NC 4.0
koblmuel – CC BY-NC 4.0