Chanda ranga: Pseudotropheus Tropheops

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Pseudotropheus Tropheops

Though not a community tank specimen to be housed with fish other than cichlids, the Tropheops Sp. "Red Cheek" will do well in a Mbuna aquarium. They are not demanding, are pretty hardy if their water is kept clean, and are easy to breed if they are happy. The males are very aggressive toward the females however, especially when breeding. A male needs to be kept with five or more females to help dampen the aggression. Provide lots of caves and rocks for them to explore and to hide in, especially when the male is abusing the females. Arranging the rocks in a manner to make "territories" will help ease aggression, as will keeping them in a large aquarium with other Mbuna species. Success is dependent on the aquarists willingness to do frequent water changes, have sufficient hiding places, and provide appropriate tank mates.