Duboisi Tropheus

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

Tropheus duboisi comes from the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika and reaches about 12 to 14 cm. The transformation from spotted juvenile to banded adult is one of the most dramatic in freshwater fish. In the lake it grazes algae from rock faces in dense groups, and that diet is the whole story of keeping it: its gut is built for constant, low-protein, high-fibre grazing. A group of twelve or more, never fewer, needs 300 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 8.0 to 9.0 in hard buffered water, with heavy rockwork. Feed a spirulina-based flake or a dedicated Tropheus pellet in several small daily portions, and keep animal protein to almost nothing: bloat in this genus is usually fatal and is triggered by rich food, overfeeding and stress. Large frequent water changes matter more here than for most cichlids. Aggression within the group is constant but diluted by numbers, which is why a small group collapses to a single survivor. This is a rewarding species for a dedicated keeper and a genuinely poor first cichlid.

• How active is a Duboisi Tropheus?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Duboisi Tropheus need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Duboisi Tropheus need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Duboisi Tropheus a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Duboisi Tropheus live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Duboisi Tropheus?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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