Tropheops sp."black dorsal" is found in the southern part of the Lake at the reefs that lie southern of Ntekete like Chimwalani Reef, Luwala Reef, West Reef and also near Makanjila Point. Mainly they are living there in rocky environments, however near Makanjila Point they can also be found in intermediate zones from rocks to sand. The females at Chimwalani Reef and Luwala Reef are pale yellow, the females which are found in other places are more brownish. These examples are from Luwala Reef. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Tropheops sp."black dorsal" is a very intolerant cichlid against all inhabitants in the aquarium. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbunas in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae from the rocks. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. |