What do you feed Duboisi cichlids?
Food & Diet These tropheus duboisi cichlid primarily feed on tough, stringy algae stuck on rocks, along with microorganisms that it upholds. However, in an aquarium, they can be served with spirulina flakes and pellet foods. They can also have romaine or spinach at least once a day, along with other fiber-rich foods.
What do Tropheus fish eat?
The Tropheus species are omnivores. In the wild they are specialized aufwuchs feeders, aufwuchs refers to tough stringy algae that is attached to rocks. They feed on algae scraped from the rocks along with the microorganisms it contains. In the aquarium they need to be fed a spirulina based flake and pellet.
How do you feed Tropheus?
It is easy to overfeed your Tropheus; it is best to only feed once or twice a day, and no more than they can eat in a couple minutes. If any of the food makes it to the bottom of the tank, then you have fed way too much.
How big does a tropheus Duboisi get?
Tropheus duboisi, the white spotted cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It can reach a length of 12 cm (4.7 in).
What fish can live with Tropheus?
Tropheus are ordinarily moderately aggressive fish, however they become highly aggressive when breeding. Most aggression will be mainly directed at other Tropheus. Suitable tank mates would be any other fish with the similar temperament and adult size such as Peacock Cichlids, Electric Yellows and Gobies.
How fast do Tropheus grow?
Free- living Tropheus moorii grow rapidly during their first three years of life before their growth rate levels off at body sizes of 8– 13 cm SL (Egger et al., 2004). In captivity, Tropheus start to reproduce at an age of 1– 2 years (authors' pers. obs.), but age at first breeding may be higher in the wild.
What can you keep with Tropheus?
In summary I would recommend trying the following fish as tank mates for Tropheus cichlids:Petrochromis.Julidochromis.Lamprologus.Spathodus.Eretmodus.Tanganicodus.Mbuna Malawi Cichlids.
What lake are Tropheus cichlids from?
The waters of Lake Tanganyika are home to the Tropheus cichlids, which are some of the most colorful of all cichlids. Tropheus are aggressive and do best when kept with other Tropheus cichlids. Some popular species are the Tropheus Moliro Red, the Tropheus Bemba, and the Tropheus Duboisi.
How fast do Duboisi cichlids grow?
Breeding & Spawning Duboisi Cichlid This species is slow growing and can take several years to reach sexual maturity. To breed this species in captivity, there should be 5 or 6 females to just one male.
Can you keep tropheus with Mbuna?
Omnivore Mbunas are compatible with : Lake Tanganyika Herbivores (Tropheus) : Feed a mainly herbivore diet (Omnivores need some algae in their diet anyways. They don't mind eating salad)
How many tropheus Duboisi are there?
To improve the odds of successful spawning, it is recommended that 5 to 6 females be kept with one male. This ratio will not only maximize breeding potential but will also help to subdue male aggression. Tropheus duboisi are known as mouthbrooders.
What can you keep with tropheus?
In summary I would recommend trying the following fish as tank mates for Tropheus cichlids:Petrochromis.Julidochromis.Lamprologus.Spathodus.Eretmodus.Tanganicodus.Mbuna Malawi Cichlids.
What does a fish eat?
For example, fish eat a variety of insects including flies, mayflies, midges, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. Many fish also eat worms, including superworms, mealworms, bloom worms, leeches, and nightcrawlers. Some larger fish will prey on small rats, mice, snakes, frogs, turtles, and other, smaller fish.
Can I feed my fish lettuce?
There is a wide variety of vegetables that fish do very well on. There is a wide variety of vegetables that fish do very well on. Regular lettuce is not one of them, and just as we eat it on weight-reduction diets because it has very few calories, it also provides very little nutrition to fish.
What fruit can aquarium fish eat?
The fruits and vegetables that are generally alright to serve raw are bananas, plantains, pumpkins, pears, apples, carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes. These should all be cut into small pieces before they are offered to your fish.
Duboisi Cichlid Appearance
One of the trademark characteristics of the White Spotted Cichlid is that it undergoes a dramatic physical transformation with age. Juvenile fish appear jet black with many small white spots. As they age, these spots fade entirely and their heads develop a blue-ish tint.
Duboisi Cichlid Diet
Tropheus duboisi are formally classified as omnivores but they should be fed proteins very sparingly. In their natural habitat they feed off aufwuchs: a string-like algae containing nutritious micro-organisms.
Duboisi Cichlid Lifespan & Breeding
The Duboisi Cichlid is unique in reproductive nature. They are a slow growing species, and it can take them several years to reach full sexual maturity. Indications that these Cichlids are of reproductive age will include males presenting larger than females and having slightly more upturned noses.
Duboisi Cichlid Diseases
Like many freshwater fish in captivity, Cichlids are particularly vulnerable to disease. Being well informed and vigilant about your aquarium’s water quality can help reduce the risk of your fish becoming ill. Below are some of the most common causes of illness for the Tropheus duboisi.
How to decorate a Tropheus tank?
If you wish to decorate the tank, use piles of rockwork to form many cave-like structures and hiding places, interspersed with open areas for swimming. In either case, use sand as substrate, and ensure the water is well-oxygenated.
Can a tiger fish be kept with shy fish?
In fact, it is relatively peaceful towards other species but will squabble with conspecifics. The fish are very active however and should not be kept with shy species. Possible tankmates include Julidochromis, Eretmodus and Tanganicodus species, as these require a similar diet to the Tropheus.
Can shrimp fry take brine shrimp?
This approach is only for experts, however. The fry are large enough to take brine shrimp nauplii, microworm and powdered dry foods once they become free swimming. If they are left with the mother brood care continues for a time, with the fry seeking refuge in her mouth when they feel threatened.
Is a tpheus duboisi good for beginners?
Like others in the genus, Tropheus duboisi is something of an enigma in the aquarium hobby and despite it’s popularity, is not a good species for the beginner. There has been much arguement and discussion about how best to maintain it in the aquarium, and some of these debates still rage on. We have provided the generally accepted method of keeping the fish, but in reality what works for one aquarist may not for another. One aspect which is always true, is that water quality is of the utmost importance in a Tropheus tank, as they are very susceptible to “bloat”.
How often should I feed a Tropheus duboisi?
Such food should be given with caution, as it causes bloating in Tropheus duboisi. Food should be presented in a small quantity and three times a day. Usually, the fish will catch the food “on the fly” and do not allows it to sink to the bottom.
What happens if Tropheus duboisi is cold?
Even the smallest deviation from the optimal parameters is harmful to the fish. Thus, a drop in temperature of only 2 degrees causes a cold in Tropheus duboisi, from which they die.
What do cichlids eat?
Tropheus duboisi cichlid eats the plant and animal foods. As a source of protein, they are given daphnia and artemia. They are also fed with Spirulina algae in granules and flakes, which should be pre-soaked so as not to cause increased gas formation in the fish.
What color is the head of a trphos duboisi?
Tropheus Duboisi Body Features. The heads of adult Tropheus Duboisi are black or blue, the back of the trunk and tail are dark blue or black. In the middle is a bright yellow stripe that stands out sharply against the main background. There are several types of Tropheus Duboisi, but all have this contrasting streak.
Why is the Tropheus Duboisi called the White Spotted Cichlid?
Tropheus Duboisi Cichlid received its name White Spotted Cichlid due to its unusual color, which is different in young and adult individuals. For the first time, these fish were presented at an exhibition in Germany, where they made a splash and became a bestseller. Table of Contents [ hide]
Why are cichlids caught in Tropheus?
In natural conditions, the population of Tropheus is small; although they are not commercial fish, in the last century, a massive number of Tropheus Duboisi cichlids were caught due to the high demand from aquarists.
Where does the white spotted cichlid live?
Tropheus Duboisi Cichlid, also known as White Spotted Cichlid, is a graceful cichlid who lives in the rocky coastal part of the African Lake Tanganyika. Currently, it is listed in the Red Book of the Union for Conservation of Nature with the status of status “V.U.” (vulnerable). Tropheus Duboisi Cichlid received its name White Spotted Cichlid due ...
Tropheus Duboisi Cichlid
- It is possible to keep Tropheus duboisi sp. cichlids in an aquarium if you set up their habitat perfectly. Their natural habitat is rocky coastal areas in Lake Tanganyika. To mimic their natural environment, the aquarium you create must have pebbles, sand, rocks, or caves. A rock pile is a …
Breeding Colony
- There are several different diets for duboisi cichlids, and some are better than others. Cichlids are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. However, they are known to feed on stringy algae, such as aufwuch. Spirulina-based flakes are common for these fish, and romaine lettuce is much healthier for your cichlids than other lettuce varieties. You should keep the food l…
Water Temperature
- Duboisi cichlids like to live in large groups of at least six or more. The ideal water temperature for these fish is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer an intermediate water hardness level of 10 to 15 dGH. The water temperature for Duboisi should be around 73 degrees Fahrenheit. A small tank is not suitable for this species. Tropheus duboisi cichlids should be kep…
Diseases
- Duboisi cichlids are susceptible to a wide range of diseases. These fish generally live on algae-strands and sediments and do not eat much protein, which is why algae-feeding cichlid food is so bad for them. In addition, these fish are more susceptible to infections and bloat if their water is stale or contains less oxygen. These fish are highly susceptible to African bloat and African para…
Reproduction
- Whether you are looking to breed the Duboisi Cichlid or simply keep them for their stunning color, it is important to learn about the reproductive habits of this slow-growing species. This species is not known to breed readily and will require several years to mature. Males are larger and have more prominent upturned noses than females. Females are typically lighter in color and grow m…
Aquarium Sizetop ↑
Maintenance
- Many aquarists keep Tropheus in bare setups to reduce territorial behaviour but they can also be maintained in decorated aquaria. If you wish to decorate the tank, use piles of rockwork to form many cave-like structures and hiding places, interspersed with open areas for swimming. In either case, use sand as substrate, and ensure the water is well-oxygenated.
Diet
- It will accept most foods offered but vegetable matter in the form of spirulinaflakes, blanched spinach, nori etc. should form the basis of the diet. This can be supplemented with small feeds of live and frozen varieties. Never feed beefheart or any other animal meat as it interferes with the digestive system of these fish.
Behaviour and Compatibilitytop ↑
- It has a somewhat dubious reputation for aggressive behaviour but this is undeserved. In fact, it is relatively peaceful towards other species but will squabble with conspecifics. The fish are very active however and should not be kept with shy species. Possible tankmates include Julidochromis, Eretmodus and Tanganicodus species, as these require a similar diet to the Trop…
Sexual Dimorphism
- The sexes are hard to distinguish. There are some subtle differences in growth rate and body shape, but the only guaranteed method is to examine the genital papillae of the fish, but this is recommended to experts only. The genital papillaeis pointed in the male and rounded in the female.
Reproduction
- Possible. Maternal mouthbrooder. The tank should be set up as decribed above. We recommend the purchase of 20-30 young fish and allowing them to grow on together, as adults are costly. If you can, try and obtain tank-bred fish, as wild specimens tend to be far more delicate, aggressive and expensive. It is difficult to obtain the perfect group, and some fish (particularly subdominan…
Notestop ↑
- Like others in the genus, Tropheus duboisi is something of an enigma in the aquarium hobby and despite it’s popularity, is not a good species for the beginner. There has been much arguement and discussion about how best to maintain it in the aquarium, and some of these debates still rage on. We have provided the generally accepted method of keeping the fish, but in reality wha…