Tropheus Moorii care guide
Tropheus Moorii (Tropheus moorii) — minimum tank 400 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-9.
Overview
Moorii (Tropheus moorii) is a wave-zone cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching about 15 cm. The species is famous for its extreme geographic colour variation — dozens of stable local "races" or morphs are recognised along different sections of the lake shore, ranging from solid black through yellow-banded to bright orange.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheus
- Scientific name: Tropheus moorii
- Common synonyms: Blunthead Cichlid, Moorii
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: 400 L (105.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-15 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-9
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- School size: ≥15 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.