Tropheus Mpimbwe Yellow care guide

Tropheus Mpimbwe Yellow (Tropheus sp. "Mpimbwe Yellow") — minimum tank 400 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.5-9.2.

Overview

Tropheus sp. "Mpimbwe Yellow" is an undescribed colour form from the Mpimbwe area of Lake Tanganyika's eastern shore. The body is black, crossed by a broad yellow vertical band on the mid-flank reminiscent of the Ilangi morph but with a different geographic origin. Adults reach about 15 cm.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Tropheus
Scientific name: Tropheus sp. "Mpimbwe Yellow"
Common synonyms: Mpimbwe

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: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Water flow: medium
Lifespan: 8-12 years
School size: ≥12 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.