Loiselle cichlid

Ptychochromis loisellei

Size: Up to 12 cm long.
Lifespan: Unknown
Food: Probably phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Part of endemic genus

The Loiselle cichlid is a species in the genus  Ptychochromis, a group of cichlids endemic to Madagascar. A species that is endemic only lives in a certain place. It may be on a particular island or in a special lake, on a certain mountain top or in a specific country. On islands such as Madagascar, endemic species are common. This is because such islands are isolated, and therefore species cannot mix with each other as easily as on the mainland. Endemic species are fully adapted to the environment and climate of the particular place they live in. Therefore, endemic species are very susceptible to extinction. 

A loiselle cichlid guards its offspring.
Photo: Ellika-Nordström-Malmö-Museum

Newly discovered species

All species in the genus Ptychochromis are endangered to extinction. The Loiselle cichlid is threatened by environmental degradation, and by the introduction of non-native (so-called invasive) species in the area that outcompete the Loiselle cichlid and other native species. The Loiselle cichlid was described as recently as 2006, and so far very little is known about the species’ way of life. Most of what is known comes from the aquarium world, where Loiselle cichlids are kept and bred, to ensure that the species survives even if it becomes extinct in the wild. 

A group of young loiselle cichlids raised in a conservation program at the Aquarium.
Photo: Jesper-Flygare-Malmö-Museum

Distribution worldwide

North-east Madagascar.

Threat based on the Red List

Trade regulations

CITES: Not listed.