Duboisi | Tropheus duboisi

Cichlids / Africa / Lake Tanganyika / Duboisi

Profile: Duboisi
Tropheus duboisi Synonyms: None
Physical description: A steep-forehead marks this species. The body color is slate gray to black with a white bar that runs down the midsection of the body. This marking ends just before reaching the belly. On some variations this stripe may be yellow, wide, or reach the belly. Young are black and spotted with a number of white to blue spots. Many consider the young to be more intriguing than the adults.
Size/Length: To 4.7" (12 cm)
Similar species: Tropheus brichardi, T. moorii
Habitat: Eastern Africa. T. duboisi fills a different ecological niche from other Tropheus in Lake Tanganyika; it lives at depths of 10-50 feet (3-15 m) in rocky zones, considerably deeper than T. moorii .
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: A tank with dimensions of 36" (91 cm) with a volume of 45 gallons (170 L) is sufficient. See suggestions for T. moori in the tank set-up.
Water chemistry: pH 7.3-9.2 (8.1), 8-22 dH (15), 77-82°F (25-28°C)
Social behavior: Not a schooling fish. T. duboisi is territorial but not as aggressive as T. moorii. This fish is peaceful towards other species. Best kept singly or in pairs. Like other Tropheus, a matriarchal family is formed to care for the young.
Suggested companions: Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Eretmodus, Synodontis, Lamprologus.
FOOD: Algae; live; crustaceans, aquatic insects, black mosquito larvae; vegetables; lettuce, spinach, peas; oatmeal; tablets; flakes. See T. moorii for other recommendations.
Sexual differences: Difficult to distinguish; males have longer pelvic fins and lack the white patches that adult female fish develop.
Breeding techniques: Use water with a pH from 8.5-9.0 and a temperature from 81-84°F (27-29°C). Similar to T. moorii . An open-water spawner, the eggs are allowed to drop into the crevices between rocks before they are picked up by the female. 5-15 eggs are mouthbrooded for 25-30 days and the fry are guarded for a week after emerging. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii, Cyclops nauplii, and dry foods.
Breeding potential: 7. Breeding is moderately difficult.
Remarks: Several color morphs are known. Sensitive to changes in water chemistry. See notes under T. moorii .
Difficulty of care: 7. A sensitive fish that is aggressive towards its own species when not kept in pairs. See T. moorii for other notes.