Tropheus duboisi

[Ged]

Species information

Species: Tropheus duboisi

Origin: Africa ? Lake Tanganyika

Localities/Morphs: Maswa, Kigoma, Bemba, Karilani

Maximum size: 14cm

Natural habitat: Rocky habitat between depths of 5 and 15 metres.

Natural foods/prey: Aufwuchs

Water chemistry in the wild: Ph 8.0 ? 9.0 Gh 174 ppm. Kh 320 ppm. Temp 26.5

Brood size: 3-15 (aquarium bred), Up to 30 for wildcaughts.

Sexual dimorphism: External differences difficult to detect

Breeding method: Maternal mouthbrooder, incubation about 26 days. Harem spawner.

Husbandry requirements

Minimum tank size: 250 litres ? but longer is better.

Sex ratio: 1m/4f

Tolerance of conspecifics: Can be very intolerant in small groups, a good size colony is required to dissipate aggression.

Tolerance of heterospecifics: Tolerant, but Tropheus are active fish and herbivores, so tankmates should be chosen carefully.

Water chemistry in aquaria: Ph: 8.0 ? 9.0 Kh: 200-300 ppm or 12-15 dkH Gh: 150-250 ppm or 8-14dgH.

Temperature range: 26deg C, 78deg F

Foods accepted: high quality Spirulina Flake

Special requirements: Best kept in large colonies of 15 or more, although small colonies of 8-10 can do well.

Notes Occurs at isolated localities in northern part of the lake. Generally regarded as the more peaceful of the Tropheus variants. Should never be fed meat-based product. The bigger the tank and the bigger the colony the better in order to reduce aggression.