Tropheus moorii (Brown morph)




SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tropheus moorii (Brown morph)

COMMON NAME: Blue-Eyed Tropheus

ORIGIN: Africa (Endemic to lake Tanganyika, northern shores).

FAMILY: Cichlidae.

SPECIES TYPE: Tropheus

MAXIMUM SIZE: 5 Inches

LIFE SPAN: 10 Years

NATURAL HABITAT: The upper region of rocky shores between 2 to 6 feet most common. This morph is found in the waters of Southern Burundi only.

DIET: Tropheus will accept live foods of all kinds. Tropheus are aufwuchs feeders. Vegetables such as lettuce ,spinach, and algae should be offered.

TEMPERATURE: 75-79 degress

PH: 7.5 Ph. 10dGH. Medium-hard and moderately alkaline water.

MINIMUM TANK SIZE: 29 gallon (Recommend 55 long or larger with a group of 15 to 20).

TANK REGION: Mid to upper

TEMPERMENT: Mildly aggressive to other fish, aggressive during breeding. Medium aggression to one another.

POSSIBLE TANK MATES: Can be kept with other Tanganikian fish with mild to mildly aggressive behavior. Frontosa, Calvus, Buffalo Heads to name a couple.

FILTRATION AND SETUP: Normal hang on back filters will work great for these fish. Sand would be a good substrate with some rocks and crevices. Bright lights with high kelvin color are suggested for algae growth.

BREEDING: Tropheus are higly aggressive during breeding Tropheus are open spawning highly specialized mouthbrooders. Eggs are yellow and usually up to 7 mm in size. The eggs are held and become free swimming at about 28-32 days. Tropheus only have about 10 young or less due to the large egg size.

COLORATION: The Blue-Eyed Tropheus is brown in color with a white patch on its upper back and known for its blue eyes. There are many color morphs of this fish. They are found throughout the lake around different coves and islands.