Several months ago on Aquabid, there was up for auction a wild breeding group of Tropheus. After doing a little research and seeing how great that fish looks I said to myself “I’ve got to have them.” After having won the auction, payment and shipping were arranged and soon the fish were on my doorstep.
To prepare for the arrival of the new fish a new tank had to be set up. Starting with a substrate of play sand, pool filter sand, and crushed coral (to keep the water buffered up naturally) the tank was off to a good start. For hiding places and security: 3″ to 4″ PVC pipe and many different types of clay flower pots and bases. Figuring since they are mouthbrooders I also added lots of small lava pieces from one of the local stores. The lava worked great for adding very small nooks and crannies plus it worked for growing Java moss and Java fern. For filtration three sponge filters were added; two were air-driven and one was attached to a powerhead which added water current. I also used a single 40-watt fluorescent bulb on a 14-hour-a-day timer. At night I used a small night light for simulated moonlight. The water parameters were 78 degrees F, pH was maintained at 8.0 or higher, and a total carbonate hardness of 170-220ppm. Water was changed infrequently, 50% every two weeks.
When the fish arrived they were immediately acclimated to their new home. At first, they didn’t look too good or too happy but after traveling as far as they did I gave them a chance. The next morning they looked great. The Tropheus were given their first meal and they accepted it readily. They were from then on fed twice a day with baby brine shrimp and a high-quality veggie flake.
After about two weeks I noticed one wasn’t eating as much as the others and got very worried. Watching very closely for the next week I noticed that one fish’s mouth had started to bulge. I was surprised and excited at the realization that one of my Tropheus was holding eggs. I had read that they hold for about 28 days so I marked that date on the aquarium. At 20 days it was noticed that the mother was eating very carefully. This was surprising because I had not previously seen any of the other mouth brooders I have experience with, eating while holding fry in their mouths. It seems that this is how they are able to carry the young for so long. A few more days went by and I saw one fry, which was very disappointingly not enough for BAP. “Oh well” I thought, but the mother obviously still had a mouth full. After a few more days I found more. Now after having them for about 3 months, there is a colony in total of 11 adults and about 30 fry 8 different sizes from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ in length.
Most people have told me Tropheus are a very demanding fish. I disagree; my biggest problem is they are outgrowing the tank.
Author: Marshall Davis
First published in Finformation, Greater Pittsburg Aquarium Society, March 2004
Source: Aquarticles (original website no longer available)
