Tropheus Firecracker Cichlid

🔹 Scientific Name: Tropheus sp. (commonly classified within the genus Tropheus)

🔹 Common Name: Tropheus Firecracker Cichlid

🔹 Type: Freshwater Cichlid

🔹 Coloration: Bright red to orange body with striking horizontal blue or black stripes, resembling “firecracker” sparks — highly vibrant and colorful.

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📏 Size

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 to 6 inches (12–15 cm) in length

• Males and females are similar in size, though males can be slightly larger and more dominant.

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🌍 Native Habitat

• Native To: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

• Found primarily along the rocky shores of the lake, where they graze on algae and biofilm.

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⏳ Lifespan

• Average Lifespan: 6 to 10 years with proper care

• Known for their longevity compared to many other tropical freshwater fish.

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🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Primarily herbivorous / omnivorous, with a strong preference for algae and plant matter

• In the wild, they scrape algae and microorganisms off rocks.

• In captivity, feed a diet high in vegetable content to maintain health and vibrant colors, including:

  • Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

  • Occasional protein like brine shrimp or daphnia, but keep low to avoid digestive issues

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🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Maternal mouthbrooder

• Breeding Season: Year-round in captivity under proper conditions

• Females incubate fertilized eggs in their mouths for about 3 weeks until fry are free-swimming.

• Pairs or harems are often kept for breeding; they show territorial behavior.

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🐟 Best Tank Mates

• Best kept with other Lake Tanganyika cichlids or similarly sized, robust but non-aggressive fish

• Suitable tank mates:

  • Other Tropheus species (preferably the same species or closely related to avoid hybridization)

  • Julidochromis, Altolamprologus, and other Tanganyika cichlids

  • Robust catfish species (e.g., Synodontis)

• Avoid:

  • Small, timid fish (will be bullied or eaten)

  • Aggressive or very territorial species that cannot handle Tropheus’ active nature

  • Fish from different lakes (Malawi or South American cichlids)

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🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (200 liters) or larger recommended due to territorial nature and active swimming

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)

  • pH: 8.0–9.0 (alkaline water typical of Lake Tanganyika)

  • Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Tank Setup:

  • Rocky environment with plenty of caves and crevices for territory

  • Strong water movement with excellent filtration

  • Regular water changes to maintain high water quality

  • Feed primarily plant-based foods to avoid digestive problems