Pungu

About

Pungu (Pungu maclareni) is the sole member of its genus and one of the more unusual cichlids you're likely to encounter in the hobby. Endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in western Cameroon, it occupies the shallow, nearshore waters and has evolved a diet unlike almost any other cichlid. Its most notable food source is freshwater sponge, which it tears into with enlarged jaw muscles and specialized small teeth. Benthic invertebrates, diatoms, and plant matter round out its menu. The species is thought to have originated through hybridization between two other cichlid species, which makes it unusual from an evolutionary standpoint as well. In the wild it lives in small groups, and females brood their eggs and fry in the mouth. In the aquarium, Pungu is considered manageable even for newer keepers in terms of basic maintenance, but it is genuinely rare in the trade. Its natural lake faces serious pressure from water extraction, deforestation, introduced species, and overfishing, earning it a critically endangered classification. For that reason, most experienced keepers recommend acquiring this fish only with a real commitment to breeding it and responsibly distributing offspring. A species-only setup gives the best chance of getting a spawn. If you come across Pungu, treat the opportunity seriously.