Can I keep different Tropheus moorii colour morphs together?

It is highly discouraged. Mixing morphs (e.g., 'Ilangi' with 'Kasanga') inevitably leads to hybridisation. Furthermore, they will not recognise each other as different species, leading to severe aggression and a breakdown of colony dynamics.

Why is my Tropheus not eating and hiding in the corner?

Refusing food and isolation are the first symptoms of 'Tropheus Bloat' or severe bullying. You must act immediately: check water parameters, observe tank dynamics, and be prepared to treat the tank with Metronidazole if bloat is suspected.

How many Tropheus moorii should I buy to start a tank?

You should purchase a group of at least 15 to 20 juveniles at the same time. This ensures they grow up together and establish a natural hierarchy, while being numerous enough to disperse the dominant male's aggression.

Can I keep them in a planted aquarium?

No. Tropheus are voracious herbivores and will quickly devour or shred most aquatic plants. If you wish to include greenery, you are limited to tough, bitter-tasting plants like Anubias or Java Fern securely attached to rocks.

Why are my Tropheus swimming vertically and shaking?

This rapid, vertical shimmying is a natural display behaviour. It is primarily used by males during courtship to attract a female to a spawning site, but it can also be a display of dominance between rival males.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Tropheus Moorii

Tropheus moorii

The Tropheus Moorii is a breathtaking but fiercely territorial cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, famous for its strict herbivorous diet and complex colony hierarchy.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8 – 9
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Adult size: 11 – 14 cm
400L (minimum for a colony of 15+): 400 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Extensive rocky hardscape to create caves and grazing surfaces, combined with strong filtration and oxygenation.

About the Tropheus Moorii

Boasting arguably the most spectacular array of geographical colour variations of any freshwater fish, Tropheus moorii has captivated advanced aquarists for decades. Known collectively as 'Moorii', they are incredibly active and constantly graze on rocks for algae. Keeping them is a significant commitment; they demand flawless water quality, massive aquariums, and highly specialised diets. Due to their extreme intraspecific aggression, they must be kept in large, overcrowded colonies of at least 15 to 20 individuals. Introducing new fish to an established colony often ends in disaster, so groups must be purchased and raised together.

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Where Tropheus Moorii comes from

Native range

Lake Tanganyika

Countries / regions

Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia

Habitat

Shallow, highly oxygenated coastal rocky zones where rocks are heavily encrusted with algae.

Numerous distinct colour morphs exist, completely isolated by stretches of deep water or sandy shorelines which they refuse to cross.

Similar species

Tropheus duboisi
Tropheus duboisi
Goby Cichlid
Eretmodus cyanostictus
Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi

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

Tropheus Moorii (Conspecifics)
Tropheus moorii
Must be kept in large colonies of their own morph (15-20+ individuals) to effectively disperse their intense hierarchical aggression.
Great
Tanganyikan Clown Goby
Eretmodus cyanostictus
Shares the same strict herbivorous diet and rocky habitat requirements, and generally ignored by Tropheus.
Great
Dwarf Petricola
Synodontis lucipinnis
Robust, fast-moving Tanganyikan catfish that dwell in the rocks and can tolerate the high pH and boisterous environment.
Great
Marlier's Julie
Julidochromis marlieri
Requires similar water parameters, but diet differs (needs more protein) and competition for rock territory can sometimes lead to clashes.
Compatible with caution
Slender Cichlid
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Occupies the upper water column away from the rocks, but requires a meaty diet which can cause fatal bloat in Tropheus if ingested.
Compatible with caution
Peacock Cichlids
Aulonocara spp.
Malawian cichlids require a high-protein diet that is toxic to Tropheus, and differing communication methods invite severe bullying.
Not recommended
Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Grows far too large, prefers deeper and calmer water, and requires a high-protein piscivorous diet.
Not recommended

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