Scientific Name(s): Tropheus duboisi
Common Name(s): Duboisi, Duboisi Cichlid
Family: Cichlid
Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life Span: 12 years
Natural Habitat: African Lake Tanganyika
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Tank Region: All over
Possible Tank Mates: Best left as the only cichlid species in the tank, can be mixed with other tropheus.
Description: Tropheus duboisi is a tough and rugged cichlid from Lake Tanganyika that, despite its quarrelsome behavior, is endearing to many hobbyists. Even though Tropheus species are hearty, keeping them is not without challenges. This fish starts out as a juvenile with a jet black body adorned with dozens of white spots that completely cover its flanks. As it matures, it loses its spots and develops a blue head with a vertical yellow band (or white if from Burundi). The Maswa variety are perhaps the most popular in the hobby because its yellow band is particularly wide
Breeding Information: Males are quite territorial and are aggressive in their attempts to coax females to spawn. They never seem to tire of this either - males want to spawn every minute of the day. This fish should never be kept in 1:1 ratios. One male to three or four females is an ideal ratio, but keep in mind that the "only correct way to keep this species in captivity is in a group of ten or more individuals." The most difficult challenge to breeding T. duboisi is bringing the females into spawning condition.
Sexing Information: Males tend to have a turned-up nose while females tend to have a greater slope and rounded nose. Males will also grow at a faster rate (generally) and display their adult colors sooner. Males' coloration is also often more bold than females' because they like to show it off when courting females. Adult males will also tend to have a deeper body, whereas females appear more slim and streamline. While these characteristics may help an experienced hobbyist, venting is the only sure way to determine gender with Tropheus.
Diet: Spirulina-based flake food supplimented with fresh green vegetables such as romaine lettuce and spinach.
Temperment: Highly aggressive and territorial especially to their own species.
Common Diseases: This species is highly subsceptible to bloat.
