Blue-eyed Tropheus | Tropheus brichardi
Cichlids / Africa / Lake Tanganyika / Blue-eyed Tropheus
Profile: Blue-eyed Tropheus
Tropheus brichardi Synonyms: Mistaken for a morph of Tropheus moorii.
Physical description: T. brichardi has a rounded head and an under-slung mouth. The color is brown to brown black as are the fins. The body is marked with a white to yellow splotch on the back of the fish. This fish is located in about the middle of the back. Opposite this, but on the belly, is a similar yellow marking. The iris of the eye may develop a blue color in well-maintained water. Other color morphs are usually striped with alternating brown-black and yellow stripes. The caudal fin is fan shaped.
Size/Length: To 4.7" (12 cm)
Similar species: Tropheus duboisi, Tropheus brichardi
Habitat: Eastern Africa; found in the rocky regions at depths of 6.5-16 feet (2-5 m) of the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. T. brichardi is found on the southern coast of Burundi.
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: A tank measuring at least 48" (122 cm) with capacity of 75 gallons (285 L) is needed for a school of T. brichardi . Follow the suggestions for T. moorii in setting up the tank.
Water chemistry: pH 7.3-9.2 (8.1), 8-22 dH (15), 77-82°F (25-28°C)
Social behavior: A territorial fish that differs from T. moorii in not forming hierarchies. T. brichardi is often aggressive towards others of its own species although not overly so. T. brichardi is shy and peaceful towards other fish. Keep one male with several females.
Suggested companions: Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Eretmodus, Synodontis, Lamprologus.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, aquatic insects; vegetables; lettuce, spinach, peas; tablets; flakes. No Tubifex , beef heart, or red mosquito larvae. Only include foods that are high in fiber. Please see T. moorii for other notes.
Sexual differences: Nearly indistinguishable; the genital papilla of the male is pointed, while the female's is rounded.
Breeding techniques: Use water with the suggestions mentioned above. The eggs are deposited in open water and taken into the females mouth. They measure up to 0.3" (0.7 cm) and like T. moorii, are yellow in color. The eggs, numbering 6-12, are incubated for 4-5 weeks. During this time, the female continues to feed. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii, Cyclops nauplii, and dry foods. The young grow quickly.
Breeding potential: 7. Breeding is moderately difficult.
Remarks: Offered rarely to the hobby. T. brichardi is sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Several color morphs are known.
Difficulty of care: 7. A sensitive fish who can be aggressive towards others of its own species. See T. moorii for other notes.