Edit Tropheus moorii
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Name
Scientific name
Tropheus moorii
Described by
Authority Boulenger, Year 1898
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
Tropheus moorii is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in shallow water around rocky shores and known in over 50 geographical morph…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
145mm, standard length
Tank size
Not recorded
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 8–9.5
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Supporting text
Etymology
Named in honour of John E.S. Moore, who first collected it during his 1895–96 expedition to Lake Tanganyika.
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It inhabits shallow waters around rocky parts of the shoreline.
Aquarium size
48" x 12" x 12" (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 110 litres for a single specimen. A much larger tank is required for a group (see below).
Maintenance
Many aquarists keep Tropheus in bare setups to reduce territorial behaviour but they can also be maintained in decorated aquaria. If you wish to decorate the t…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C73 – 81 °F pH: 8.0-9.5 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
It will accept most foods offered but vegetable matter in the form of spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, nori etc. should form the basis of the diet. This can…
Behaviour and compatibility
It has a somewhat dubious reputation for aggressive behaviour but this is undeserved. In fact, it is relatively peaceful towards other species but will squabbl…
Sexual dimorphism
The sexes are hard to distinguish. There are some subtle differences in growth rate and body shape, but the only guaranteed method is to examine the genital pa…
Reproduction
Possible. Maternal mouthbrooder. The tank should be set up as decribed above. We recommend the purchase of 20-30 young fish and allowing them to grow on togeth…
Notes
Like others in the genus, Tropheus moorii is something of an enigma in the aquarium hobby, and despite it's popularity is not a good species for the beginner. …
References
References
1 on this profile