Tropheus

Tropheus brichardi is a cichlid endemic to the northern end of Lake Tanganyika, found in shallow water around rocky shorelines. Not a good species for the beginner, it is very susceptible to 'bloat', so water quality is of the utmost importance. It exists in numerous colour morphs that hybridise freely and should not be mixed, and some may eventually be described as distinct species.

The white-spotted cichlid, Tropheus duboisi, is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in rocky areas in deeper water than its congeners. Young fish have white or light blue spots on a jet black body, which fade to blue-black with a yellow or white vertical bar as they mature. Like others in the genus it is very susceptible to 'bloat' and not a good species for the beginner.

Tropheus moorii is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in shallow water around rocky shores and known in over 50 geographical morphs. Despite its popularity it is not a good species for the beginner. Water quality matters above all because it is very susceptible to 'bloat', vegetable matter should form the basis of its diet, and different morphs hybridise freely and should not be mixed.