Tropheus duboisi "Karilani" Care Guide
Karilani Island geographic population of Tropheus duboisi, a herbivorous mouthbrooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika that requires a large colony.
Overview
Tropheus duboisi is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, where it occurs in the upper rocky zones of the northern part of the lake to depths of about 30 m. "Karilani" refers to the geographic population from Karilani Island, one of the recognised subpopulations of the species. Like all members of the genus, it is an algae grazer kept in larger colonies rather than as isolated individuals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheus
- Scientific name: Tropheus duboisi "Karilani"
- Geographic form: Karilani Island population
Habitat
The species lives in the upper rocky areas of Lake Tanganyika, with a patchy distribution in the northern part of the lake and occurrence to roughly 30 m depth. It grazes algae attached to submerged rocks, a biotope dominated by hard, alkaline water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L for a colony
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Colony size: 10 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Tropheus duboisi is strictly herbivorous and feeds on the algae attached to rocks in the wild. Members of the genus have underslung mouths adapted to rasping algae from submerged surfaces. Captive diets should be vegetable-based, such as spirulina flakes, blanched spinach or nori. High-protein foods such as beef heart should be avoided, as they interfere with digestion and are associated with the often-fatal condition known as "bloat".
Compatibility
Tropheus are relatively peaceful toward other species but squabble intensely among conspecifics, establishing a pecking order through fighting. Small groups of a few fish do not settle and may fight to the death, so the species must be kept as a larger colony to spread aggression. Stable, well-filtered water is critical because the fish are highly susceptible to bloat.
Breeding
The species is a maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate a small clutch, with FishBase reporting roughly 5-15 eggs per spawn, and continue to guard the fry for a few days after first releasing them. Multiple females per male are recommended.
Conservation status
According to FishBase, Tropheus duboisi is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (assessment dated 2025), reflecting its restricted range, small population and demand in the aquarium trade.