Moorii 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 moorii reaches about 12 to 15 cm and occurs in more than forty distinct colour populations around Lake Tanganyika, from Kasanga red rainbow to Moliro firecracker to Ilangi yellow. Populations are named for their collection point because they do not mix in the wild, and crossing them in a tank produces offspring with no place in the hobby, so a colony should always be a single population. A group of twelve to fifteen needs 350 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 8.0 to 9.0 in hard buffered water, with rockwork along the back and open grazing surface. Feed a spirulina flake or dedicated Tropheus pellet in several tiny portions daily and keep protein close to zero, since this genus is famously vulnerable to bloat and a single rich meal can start it. Water quality must be excellent, with large regular changes. Within the colony there is constant chasing that spreads harmlessly across a large group and turns lethal in a small one. It is a species for someone ready to run a dedicated tank properly, not an addition to an existing community.

• How active is a Moorii Tropheus?

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

• How much maintenance does a Moorii Tropheus need?

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

• What tank size does a Moorii Tropheus need?

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

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

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Moorii Tropheus live?

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

• What health issues affect the Moorii 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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