Blunthead cichlid - Tropheus moorii

Scientific name: Tropheus moorii

Common name: Blunthead cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 14 cm (4.72 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 9 - 19°N (160.71 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Blunthead cichlid requires a low protein diet as it is a strict herbivore. Spirulina flake, specialist cichlid pellets and quality flake are ideal. The only meaty treats offered to this fish should be mysis or Cyclops.

Origin

Africa; this species is to be found in Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

Sexing Blunthead cichlids can be difficult, there are a couple of ways of doing it. If the nose is upturned, the fish is likely to be a male. If the lips appear to have a white appearance, this is usually due to lip locking, a male activity with other males.

Breeding

Tropheus moorii are mouth brooders, after the eggs have been laid and fertilized, the female will scoop them into her mouth. After the fry have been released from her mouth they can be fed on crushed vegetable fish flakes.

Lifespan

The expected lifespan of Tropheus moorii is 5-8 years.

Short description

To reduce aggression in the tank, it is best to keep at least 12 specimens together. Two males can be kept together if there are plenty of females with them.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.

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