Tropheus Firecracker (Tropheus moorii "Kasanga") Care Guide
The Firecracker is a Kasanga colour morph of Tropheus moorii, a herbivorous rock-grazing Lake Tanganyika cichlid kept in large colonies by experienced aquarists.
Overview
The Firecracker is a regional colour morph of Tropheus moorii from Kasanga in southern Lake Tanganyika. The species was described by Boulenger in 1898. Over 40 colour morphs of T. moorii occur around the lake, ranging from dark green to flame red and yellow; this morph shows bright red flanks against a dark body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheus
- Scientific name: Tropheus moorii "Kasanga"
- Authority: Boulenger, 1898
Habitat
Tropheus moorii is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in shallow bays and the upper reaches of the lake over rocky reefs. Both sexes hold individual feeding territories on the rocks. Colour morphs are geographically localised and maintained through female mate preference and population isolation.
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: keep 12 or more individuals
- Substrate: sand with extensive rockwork
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Tropheus moorii is strictly herbivorous, spending most of its time scraping filamentous algae from the rocks. A vegetable-based diet such as spirulina foods is essential, as excess animal protein causes the serious digestive condition known as Tropheus bloat.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive Tanganyikan cichlid for experienced keepers and is kept in large single-species colonies to spread aggression. It can be combined with other Tropheus, Petrochromis and open-water Cyprichromis, but Lake Malawi Mbuna and Discus are unsuitable companions.
Breeding
Tropheus moorii is a maternal mouthbrooder exhibiting serial monogamy. Females lay up to about 20 large eggs and incubate them in the mouth for roughly 30-35 days, releasing well-developed fry.