Why did my spotted Tropheus lose its spots?

This is a natural process called ontogenetic colour change. As juveniles mature into adults, they completely lose their black-and-white spotted pattern and develop the characteristic blue-black body with a solid yellow or white vertical band.

What is Tropheus bloat and how do I prevent it?

Tropheus bloat is a severe, often fatal intestinal disorder caused by stress, poor water quality, or an incorrect diet. You can prevent it by maintaining excellent water conditions, keeping them in large enough groups to reduce stress, and strictly feeding them a low-protein, high-fibre herbivore diet.

How many Tropheus Duboisi should I keep together?

They must be kept in a colony of at least 10 to 15 individuals. Keeping smaller numbers almost guarantees that the dominant male will systematically bully and kill the subordinates.

Can I feed them bloodworms or brine shrimp as a treat?

Absolutely not. Their digestive tracts are adapted strictly for processing algae and plant matter. High-protein, meaty foods will quickly lead to digestive blockages and fatal bloat.

Can I keep them with Malawi Mbuna?

While they share similar dietary and water hardness requirements, mixing them is strongly discouraged by experts. They communicate differently, which can lead to stress and fighting, and they may have different susceptibilities to regional pathogens.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Tropheus Duboisi

Tropheus duboisi

The Tropheus Duboisi is an iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famed for its dramatic transformation from a polka-dotted juvenile to a boldly banded adult, suited only for experienced keepers due to its strict dietary and social needs.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8 – 9
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Adult size: 10 – 13 cm
300 litres for a minimum group of 10-15 individuals; 450+ litres preferred.: 300 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: moderate to high
Preferred setup: Abundant rocky structures built up to the water surface to provide grazing areas and visual barriers, with a sandy substrate.

About the Tropheus Duboisi

Perhaps one of the most visually captivating freshwater fish, the Tropheus Duboisi undergoes a spectacular ontogenetic colour shift. As juveniles, they are jet black and covered in brilliant white or pale blue spots, resembling a starry night sky. As they mature, this pattern fades entirely, replaced by a velvety blue-black body bisected by a striking, broad vertical band of yellow or white. They are deeply stocky, energetic fish that bring vibrant, non-stop movement to a suitably large Tanganyikan biotope aquarium.

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Where Tropheus Duboisi comes from

Native range

Lake Tanganyika

Countries / regions

Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania

Habitat

Shallow, highly oxygenated rocky coastal zones (1-10 metres deep) where sunlight fuels rich algae growth on boulders.

Populations are geographically isolated along different rocky outcrops, leading to distinct regional colour variants (e.g., Maswa, Karilani).

Similar species

Blunthead Cichlid
Tropheus moorii
Poll's Tropheus
Tropheus polli
Red-cheek Tropheus
Tropheus annectens

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus
Shares the same Lake Tanganyika water requirements and is robust enough to ignore the cichlids' aggression.
Great
Tanganyikan Goby Cichlid
Eretmodus cyanostictus
Occupies the bottom tier, shares the exact same strict herbivorous diet, and can tolerate the water chemistry and bustling environment.
Great
Marlier's Julie
Julidochromis marlieri
A tough, rock-dwelling Tanganyikan cichlid that will claim its own crevices and generally hold its own against Tropheus in a large enough tank.
Great
Blunthead Cichlid
Tropheus moorii
Can be kept in massive tanks by advanced keepers, but carries a high risk of extreme territorial warfare and potential cross-breeding.
Compatible with caution
Fairy Cichlid
Neolamprologus brichardi
While from the same lake, breeding pairs of N. brichardi become incredibly vicious and may clash severely with grazing Tropheus.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Requires soft, acidic water and a higher-protein diet; would be severely battered by the hyperactive, aggressive Tropheus.
Not recommended
Peacock Cichlids
Aulonocara spp.
Peacocks require a carnivorous/omnivore diet. Feeding them alongside Tropheus will cause the Tropheus to eat high-protein food, inevitably leading to fatal bloat.
Not recommended

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