Damba

About

Damba (Paretrolplus damii) is a cichlid found only in a small corner of the world, northwestern Madagascar, around Lake Pambilao, which already makes it something of a rarity in the hobby. It doesn't turn up at your typical fish store, but patient hobbyists can track it down through specialist cichlid dealers or enthusiast networks. Despite its beginner care rating, this is a big fish that demands a seriously large tank, so don't let that label lull you into complacency. Temperament-wise, it sits in the moderately aggressive camp, and it does best when kept in a group or alongside other large, similarly assertive cichlids. Paratilapia polleni is often mentioned as a compatible tankmate. The breeding behavior is genuinely fascinating to watch. Pairs will excavate multiple pits across the tank, almost as if they're auditing different locations before committing to one. Courtship can look alarmingly like combat, but this is normal mate-assessment behavior. Once spawning occurs, both parents share guarding duties, taking turns watching over the eggs and patrolling the surrounding area. A successful spawn can yield upward of 200 eggs, with fry free-swimming within about a week of hatching.