The Juba cichlid comes from the northwest tip of island of Madagascar off the southeast coast of Africa.  They are also found on the island of Nosy Be. They exhibit lateral barring, a slight iridescence and darker coloring when mature.  Depending on their mood, they show immense variation in color, ranging from almost slate grey to black/purple. They develop blue lips when mature.  They can survive in brackish water.  Jubas should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce aggression.  The substrate should be fine sand and there should be rock caves for hiding.  They will not bother java fern.

Jubas are a substrate spawner, but will also lay eggs on glass and rocks.  Males develop more pronounced trailers on their dorsal fins. Jubas develop deep red highlights in their fins when spawning.  During spawning, over 200 eggs can be laid. The young can be fed artemia.

There is a variant known as the Tsipoy Cichlid or Ptychochromis oligacanthus nossibeensis.

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