Tropheops 'Red Cheek' Care Guide
Tropheops sp. 'Red Cheek' is an undescribed Lake Malawi mbuna, an aggressive rock-dwelling algae grazer.
Overview
Tropheops sp. 'Red Cheek' is an undescribed mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, family Cichlidae. According to AquaInfo it belongs to the genus Tropheops, which FishBase confirms as a Lake Malawi endemic group. Dominant males show an ochre to rust-coloured head and belly contrasting with dark vertical flank bars, while females are yellow-brown. The trade name 'Red Cheek' refers to this facial colour.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheops
- Scientific name: Tropheops sp. "Red Cheek" (undescribed form)
- Note: Provisional trade designation; not a formally described species
Habitat
AquaInfo records the form from rocky areas of Lake Malawi at locations including Likoma and Chizumulu Islands, Chiwi Rocks, Linganjala Reef, Nkhata Bay, Thumbi West Island and Tsano Rock. It inhabits rocky zones with some current and wave action at depths of about 0-6 m, where sediment does not accumulate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (about 79 gal)
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Maximum length: about 10-13 cm (males ~11 cm in the wild, AquaInfo)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is a herbivore. AquaInfo reports it feeds mainly on algae strands (aufwuchs) and small amounts of plankton; FishBase describes the genus as algae grazers that nibble, tear and wrench attached algae from the substrate. In the aquarium it requires a vegetable-based diet such as spirulina-rich foods, and protein-heavy feeding should be avoided.
Compatibility
AquaInfo characterises the fish as fierce, with males aggressively defending territories against rival males. It is best kept with other robust mbuna of similar temperament such as Synodontis catfish, and is not plant-safe. Peaceful or soft-water fishes including discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma and rams are unsuitable tank mates.
Breeding
AquaInfo reports that the species is a maternal mouthbrooder; females incubate the eggs orally for about three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry.