Trematocranus Placodon

Datasheet

General Description

The Snail-Crusher Hap, scientifically known as Trematocranus Placodon, is a species of fish belonging to the Cichlidae family. Endemic to Lake Malawi, this species has a minimum tank size requirement of 250 litres, reaching a maximum size of approximately 25.0cm.

Aquarium Setup

For the Snail-Crusher Hap, an aquarium setup should include piles of rocks forming caves, open swimming areas, a sandy substrate, and patches of Vallisneria. It is recommended to avoid strong currents in the tank and maintain water conditions with a hardness of 10-25°dH, pH between 7.6-8.8, and a temperature range of 24-28°C (see table).

Behaviour

Known for being territorial, Snail-Crusher Haps are best suited for species setups unless in very large tanks where they can coexist with other large haps like Fossorochromis rostratus or Cyrtocara moorii. Male fish exhibit aggression towards each other, necessitating one male per tank in smaller setups, accompanied by several females to balance aggression levels.

Feeding and Diet

The Snail-Crusher Hap accepts a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and dried options. To mimic their natural diet, incorporating snails into their feeding regimen is beneficial for their health and well-being.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction in Snail-Crusher Haps is intricate, with a polygamous maternal mouthbrooding system in place. Ideal breeding conditions include a pH of 8.0-8.5, a temperature of 77-81°F, and a breeding group consisting of one male and 3-6 females. Adult males of this species are more colorful and slightly larger than females.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Snail-Crusher Haps are typically found in shallow waters around or in beds of Lake Malawi. They thrive in environments with ample rock formations, sandy substrates, and vegetation like Vallisneria for spawning sites.