Tropheus brichardi Breeding Guide

Breeding Tropheus brichardi: a Tanganyikan maternal mouthbrooder with tiny 5-12 egg broods of large fry, colony husbandry, herbivore diet and high bloat risk.

Overview

Tropheus brichardi is a more slender Tropheus from the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. Like all members of the genus it is an algal grazer with an underslung mouth adapted to rasping algae and microinvertebrates from rocks, and it is a maternal mouthbrooder. It is best kept and bred as a colony rather than in pairs.

Sexing

The species is difficult to sex: the genital papilla is pointed in the male and rounded in the female, but examining it ('venting') is recommended only for experienced keepers. In practice, sexes are sorted by venting mature fish or observing spawning roles within the colony.

Conditioning

Diet must be primarily herbivorous, based on spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, nori and similar vegetable matter; beefheart and other animal meat should be avoided. Seriously Fish lists 23-27 C, pH 8.0-9.5 and hardness 8-25 dH, close to the record's 24-27 C, pH 8.5-9.2 and GH 12-25 dGH.

Breeding Setup

A stable hierarchy requires a group of 15-20 fish minimum; groups of only 5-6 may fight to the death. Seriously Fish recommends a tank of at least about 150 x 45 x 45 cm, and the record lists a minimum of 350 L for a colony.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Spawning occurs above a selected site; the female takes the eggs into her mouth before they reach the substrate, then nuzzles the male's vent so he releases milt directly into her mouth, fertilising the eggs there. A settled colony in clean water is the main trigger.

Egg & Fry Care

Broods are small, typically 5-12 eggs, and the female holds for over four weeks before releasing free-swimming young, usually continuing to feed during this period. Free-swimming fry take brine shrimp nauplii, microworm and powdered dry foods and initially seek refuge in the mother's mouth when threatened.

Common Challenges

Tropheus brichardi is very susceptible to 'bloat', so water quality is critical and the strictly herbivorous diet must be respected. Small brood size and the need for a large stable colony make this an advanced project despite reliable spawning in good conditions.