Pinstripe Damba Cichlid - (Paretroplus menarambo)

🐟 Pinstripe Damba Cichlid – (Paretroplus menarambo) – Critically Endangered Madagascan Cichlid for Sale

The Pinstripe Damba (Paretroplus menarambo) is a large, peaceful, and extremely rare cichlid native to the freshwater lakes and rivers of northwestern Madagascar. Once thought extinct in the wild, this species has been brought back through dedicated conservation breeding programs, making it a prized addition for serious aquarists.

It gets its name from the subtle vertical pinstriping along its silvery body, with mature adults displaying a deep, laterally compressed shape and graceful, flowing fins. These fish thrive in groups and do best in large aquariums with plenty of open swimming space and stable water conditions.

🔎 Quick Facts – Pinstripe Damba Cichlid (Paretroplus menarambo)

• 📛 Common Name: Pinstripe Damba Cichlid
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Paretroplus menarambo
• 🌍 Origin: Northwestern Madagascar
• 🎨 Appearance: Silvery-gray body with fine vertical pinstripes, tall body profile, long fins
• 📏 Max Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Very rare; captive-bred for conservation

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Peaceful for its size; thrives in groups of 5+
• 🤝 Best with other large, non-aggressive fish
• 🌿 Slow-moving and graceful swimmers
• 🧠 Intelligent and long-lived when cared for properly

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons for a group
• 🌿 Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate
• 🪵 Large open swimming space with some rockwork and driftwood for structure
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Strong filtration and stable water parameters

💧 Water Parameters – Pinstripe Damba Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.0–8.0
• 💧 Hardness: Moderate to hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous Cichlid

• 🌾 High-quality cichlid pellets as a staple
• 🦐 Frozen or live foods such as shrimp, bloodworms, and krill
• 🥬 Vegetable matter like zucchini, peas, and spinach

📋 Pinstripe Damba Cichlid Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Pinstripe Damba is a critically endangered Madagascan cichlid that combines elegance, rarity, and peaceful temperament—making it both a stunning display fish and a contribution to global conservation efforts.