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Introduction

Pundamilla sp. Black Widow is a haplochromine cichlid associated with the Lake Victoria basin in Tanzania. Sold under an evocative trade name, it attracts attention with its dark coloration and active behaviour. Like several Pundamilla forms, it is best suited to aquarists who can provide stable, alkaline, well-oxygenated water. Its availability remains uncommon in the trade, making it a sought-after form among African cichlid enthusiasts. This strain is exclusive at Ton.Fish in Canada. It deserves thoughtful maintenance, an appropriate group and a structured aquarium layout.

General species description

Pundamilla sp. Black Widow is a commercial form of Pundamilla that is not assigned an expressed species name. It belongs to the haplochromine cichlids of the Lake Victoria basin. Keeping it successfully requires hard to alkaline water, efficient filtration and stable parameters. This form is uncommon in aquaria and is better suited to a regional aquarium or a peaceful African cichlid setup than to a typical community tank.

Geographical origin and habitat

The strain is associated with Tanzania, in the Lake Victoria region. The habitat linked with Pundamilla includes rocky or mixed littoral areas where fish use shelters, algae-covered surfaces and open swimming spaces. In an aquarium, a layout made with securely arranged rocks, visual barriers and regular water movement recreates these conditions better than a heavily planted design.

Precise location and local name

The trade name used for this form is Black Widow. It is a strain or variety name rather than a Tanzanian local name. The available geographic reference remains the Tanzanian Lake Victoria basin. To avoid mixing lineages, it is best to keep the complete label, declared origin and supplier information when purchasing these fish.

Appearance and physical characteristics

This form is recognized by a mainly dark to black colour pattern, with contrasts that may change according to sex, mood, age and social rank. The body is typical of a small haplochromine cichlid: laterally compressed, with a continuous dorsal fin and a mouth suited to grazing or taking small prey. Colouration is generally strongest in dominant males in good condition.

General diet

A varied diet suits Pundamilla sp. Black Widow: quality African cichlid pellets, spirulina, vegetable-based foods and small frozen foods. Meals should remain moderate to protect water quality. Regular vegetable matter supports good condition, while very protein-rich animal foods should be occasional. Feeding small portions helps maintain balanced food competition among the group.

Essential data

• Local name used: Black Widow
• Origin of the scientific name: Pundamilla is the genus name; no species epithet is assigned to this form.
• Full-name etymology: Black Widow is an English trade name referring to the strain’s dark coloration.
• Common/vernacular names: Black Widow
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: pun-da-MIL-la - black WID-oh
• Maximum adult size: About 10 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; alkaline pH, ideally around 7.5 to 8.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Littoral lake areas with mineral substrate, rocks and variable aquatic or marginal vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Pundamilla nyererei, Pundamilla macrocephala, Astatotilapia latifasciata
• Temperament and behaviour: Active and territorial, generally more tolerant in a properly structured group
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are usually more colourful and contrasting; females are often duller
• Bottom structure and flow: Mineral or sandy bottom with rocks and moderate to strong water circulation
• Availability: Uncommon in the trade; exclusive at Ton.Fish in Canada

In your aquarium

To succeed with Pundamilla sp. Black Widow, provide a spacious aquarium, oversized filtration and stable, hard, alkaline water. Rocks should create visual boundaries without forming traps. Keep a balanced group and watch for excessive chasing, especially during spawning. A varied diet, regular water changes and avoiding overcrowding are the keys to good condition. Its limited availability and distinctive lineage also make it advisable to avoid crossing it with other Pundamilla forms.