Abactochromis labrosus
Duckbill Cichlid
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Cichliformes
Family:Cichlidae
Genus:Abactochromis
Species:labrosus
IUCN Status:Vulnerable
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Hard
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
24°C - 28°C
pH Level
7.7 - 8.6
Water Hardness
70 - 250 ppm
Lifespan
8 years
Origin
Africa
Adult Size
14 - 18 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
220 ppm
Water Flow
Medium Flow
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
150L
Swimming Zone
middle, bottom
Oxygen Consumption
Medium
Waste Production
Medium
Metabolism Rate
Medium
Activity Level
Moderate
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Food Types
Sinking Pellets
Frozen Food
Live Food
About This Species
Basic Description
The Duckbill Cichlid, also known by its other common names like the Labrosus or Lipped Cichlid, is a distinctive freshwater fish from Africa. Its most notable feature is its prominent, fleshy lips, which give it a unique'duckbill' appearance. This is not a fish for beginners; it is rated as difficult to care for due to its specific needs and aggressive personality. In a home aquarium, it requires a tank of at least 150 liters to accommodate its adult size of around 14 to 18 cm and its territorial nature. You'll often see it exploring the middle and bottom levels of the tank. The Duckbill Cichlid is a carnivore, so its diet should consist of meat-based foods like high-quality sinking pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods. Because it is naturally solitary, it does not do well with tank mates and is best kept alone. It has a habit of digging in the substrate, which means it will uproot and destroy most live plants, so artificial decorations are a better choice. With the right care and a stable environment that mimics its hard, alkaline native waters, this fascinating fish can live for up to eight years. Due to its challenging nature, it is recommended only for experienced aquarists who can dedicate a tank to its specific requirements.
Detailed Description
The Duckbill Cichlid, Abactochromis labrosus, is a fascinating and challenging species for the dedicated cichlid enthusiast. As the sole member of its genus, it holds a unique taxonomic position. Originating from Africa, its water parameter requirements are a clear indicator of a Rift Lake habitat, demanding hard, alkaline conditions with a pH well above neutral and consistently warm temperatures. A minimum tank size of 150 liters is stated, but given its potential to reach 18 cm and its pronounced territoriality, a larger footprint of 200 liters or more is highly advisable to manage aggression and provide adequate space. Aquascaping is critical for this species. It is an active 'plant rooter,' meaning a planted aquascape is not viable. Instead, the focus should be on creating a complex rocky environment with plenty of caves, crevices, and distinct territories. This not only mimics its natural habitat but also helps to make the fish feel secure, which can temper its territorial behavior. A substrate of sand or fine gravel is ideal, as it allows the fish to engage in its natural digging and sifting behaviors.Filtration must be robust. The combination of its medium waste production, significant bioload factor, and need for medium water flow points to the necessity of a powerful canister filter or a large sump. This ensures high levels of oxygenation and keeps nitrogenous waste under control, maintaining the pristine water quality this species demands. As a solitary carnivore, its social dynamics in captivity are simple: it should be kept alone. Attempts to house it with other fish are fraught with risk and should only be considered by experts in a very large aquarium (400L+) with other robust, large, and equally assertive African cichlids. Feeding should be based on a high-protein sinking pellet to ensure the food reaches its preferred mid-to-bottom dwelling zone. This staple diet must be supplemented with varied frozen foods like krill, mysis shrimp, and chopped earthworms to ensure complete nutrition. Breeding in captivity is notoriously difficult. This is likely due to the challenge of successfully pairing its naturally solitary and aggressive adults, as well as the need for precise environmental triggers and impeccable water quality. Its 'Vulnerable' conservation status adds a layer of responsibility, making successful husbandry a commendable achievement.
Scientific Description
Abactochromis labrosus is the sole species within its monotypic genus, a member of the Cichlidae family originating from lacustrine environments in Africa. Its taxonomic classification places it within the order Cichliformes and class Actinopterygii. The species exhibits a compressiform body shape, an adaptation that facilitates maneuverability within structurally complex, rocky habitats. Physiologically, A. labrosus has a moderate metabolism and oxygen consumption rate, which corresponds to its moderately active, demersal lifestyle. Its bioload factor is recorded at 8.5, indicating a substantial production of nitrogenous waste relative to its body mass, a critical consideration for designing an effective life-support system in ex-situ environments. The required environmental parameters are specific and narrow, pointing to a specialized ecological niche. It requires freshwater conditions, being stenohaline with a maximum salinity tolerance of only 0.5 ppt. The ideal habitat is characterized by alkaline water (pH 7.7-8.6), high mineral content (hardness 70-250 mg/L), and a total dissolved solids concentration around 220 ppm. These parameters are consistent with those of the African Great Rift Lakes. The species thrives in a temperature range of 24-28°C and requires moderate water circulation, suggesting it inhabits littoral, wave-washed zones rather than stagnant waters. Behaviorally, A. labrosus is characterized by a solitary social profile and is highly territorial, a common trait among predatory cichlids competing for food and shelter. Its spatial distribution within a captive habitat is the middle and bottom water columns. Its dietary guild is carnivorous, subsisting on sinking pellets, frozen, and live foods. The observed 'plant rooter' behavior indicates it is a benthic sifter, likely foraging for invertebrates within the substrate. Captive propagation is documented as difficult, which may be attributed to challenges in pair bonding due to high intraspecific aggression or the need for specific, yet-to-be-fully-understood, environmental spawning triggers. Given its IUCN Red List status as 'Vulnerable' (VU), developing reliable ex-situ breeding protocols is of significant conservation importance. The species' typical lifespan of eight years offers a viable window for reproductive programs.