Tropheops macrophthalmus is found in rocky environments along the entire coast of Tanzania and Mozambique, also in the northwestern part of the lake between Mdoka and Chirwa. This variant is from Lumbira in the northern part of the lake. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Tropheops macrophthalmus 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. |