Tropheus Brichardi care guide
Tropheus Brichardi (Tropheus brichardi) — minimum tank 350 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.5-9.2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Tropheus brichardi is one of the smaller members of the genus, reaching about 14 cm, endemic to the northern Tanganyika rocky littoral. The body is mostly grey-brown with subtle vertical barring and yellow blotches on the flanks in some local morphs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheus
- Scientific name: Tropheus brichardi
- Common synonyms: Brichardi
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits the wave-washed upper rocky littoral. Tanganyika water is exceptionally hard and alkaline — pH 8.5-9.2, KH 12-20 — with stable warm temperatures and very high dissolved oxygen. Each colour morph corresponds to a discrete stretch of shoreline.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L (92.5 US gal)
- Adult size: 11-14 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- School size: ≥10 individuals
Diet
In the wild a strict aufwuchs grazer that takes algae filaments, biofilm and associated micro-invertebrates from the rocks. In aquaria the diet must be predominantly plant-based — spirulina-rich pellets, blanched vegetables and only occasional small frozen brine shrimp or cyclops. High-protein or fatty foods cause severe and often fatal "bloat".
Compatibility
Aggressive within the genus; the recommended approach is a single-species colony of 10-15+ individuals so that aggression is spread across many targets. Avoid mixing different Tropheus colour morphs in one tank (they hybridise and fight) and avoid other aggressive rock-dwelling Tanganyikans in the same volume.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder producing relatively few but large eggs (typically 5-20). The female holds the brood for around four weeks. Captive breeding is straightforward in established colonies and most aquarium stock is now tank-raised.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. Several Tropheus species and locality forms are assessed and most are categorised Least Concern, but Lake Tanganyika export is regulated by the riparian countries and some morphs have restricted ranges.
Tropheus brichardi Breeding Guide
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.