Tropheus Moorii care guide
Tropheus Moorii (Tropheus moorii) — minimum tank 400 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-9.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Tropheus Moorii Breeding Guide
Overview
Tropheus moorii is a herbivorous cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika that in nature mostly feeds on filamentous algae on the rocky shallows and is adapted to bright light. It is a maternal mouthbrooder with very high parental investment, producing few large eggs and buccally feeding the young.
Sexing
The species is sexually monomorphic, so the sexes look alike. Males can be distinguished by a larger upper lip, a faster growth rate and a deeper body, while females are slimmer. Reliable sexing usually requires venting or observing spawning behaviour.
Conditioning
Diet is critical: T. moorii is strictly herbivorous, and a vegetable-based diet must be maintained. The fish are highly territorial, with both male and female adults occupying individual feeding territories, so a large colony is needed to diffuse aggression.
Breeding Setup
Keep the species as a large colony over rockwork in hard, alkaline Tanganyikan water. The mating system is serial monogamy with temporary pair bonds, and spawnings are genetically monogamous, with all eggs fertilised by a single male.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning occurs on a rock surface, with the female laying up to 20 eggs that are bright orange in colour. She takes them into her mouth and the dominant male fertilises them. A settled colony, good water quality and the herbivorous diet are the main triggers.
Egg & Fry Care
The female is a maternal mouthbrooder that incubates the eggs and young for 30 to 35 days and buccally feeds them, effectively starving herself during this period. This care produces young that are larger, heavier and faster than unfed fry. Released fry are large and accept finely crushed vegetable-based foods.