Tropheus
Tropheus moorii
Cichlidae
About
Tropheus moorii is a stocky, algae-grazing cichlid endemic to the rocky littoral zone of Lake Tanganyika, prized for the dozens of vividly coloured regional variants that hobbyists collect. Reaching around 14 cm, it is intensely aggressive toward its own kind, so it is kept only as a large colony in hard, alkaline water among heavy rockwork, where a settled pecking order diffuses the constant squabbling.
Care
Keep a colony of 15+ (ideally 15-20) in hard, alkaline water (pH 8.4-8.8) over sand with abundant rockwork in a tank of 300 L or more with strong flow and oxygenation. Feed a strictly herbivorous diet, keep water pristine, and never mix small numbers or protein-rich foods.
Diet
Herbivorous aufwuchs grazer; feed spirulina and vegetable-based foods with blanched greens in small, frequent portions. Protein-rich foods must be avoided as they cause fatal bloat.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (76)
Avoid (195)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Tropheus need?
- A Tropheus needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres (79.3 US gallons) with a footprint at least 150 cm (59.1 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Tropheus need?
- Tropheus does best at 23–27 °C (73.4–80.6 °F), pH 8–9.2 and a general hardness of 9–25 °dGH.
- What group size does a Tropheus need?
- Tropheus is a social species — keep a group of at least 15 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Tropheus suitable for beginners?
- Tropheus is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.