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Tropheops sp."red cheek" can be found along the rocky coasts of Likoma Island, Chizumulu Island and between Zambo Point and Tsano Rock. They are living there in the upper water levels so they are always exposed to the turbulent water on these coasts. This is the variant of Likoma Island. The males of this species have a beautiful blue-striped body and a remarkable orange coloured shoulder and part of its head. The females are more yellowish coloured. Since the end of april 2009 I have four - one male with three females - of these cichlids swimming around in my tank in our livingroom and they have fully grown accustomed to it yet. The male is defending a cave between the stones and he's been spawning with all three of his women already. The first offspring are showing up frequently between the stones where they are hiding in between until now. The parents are not yet fully grown, in this moment (august 2009) the male is about 8 cm, the females between 7 to 8 cm. These cichlids are inhabitants from rocky areas in which they defend their territory really fiercely so it's best to keep them in a large aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In my aquarium they usually behave quite intolerant against equal species, against the other inhabitants they are more tolerant. 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. |