Moorii Kaiser II Cichlid

General information

This species has more than 50 color morphs which vary with the geographical region of the individuals, these can reach 5 inches.  To keep this species in a tank, water pH should range from 8.0 to 9.0 and water temperatures should  be between 75.2 and 78.8. The aquarium should have a sandy substrate, algae, rocks and caves. These fish are very aggressive  and should be kept in a species specific tank, however, they can be kept with Julidochromis and Eretmodus. They should be kept in groups of 12 or more with only one male present, it is important to never add a new fish to an already established colony. For a group of 12 a 75 gallon, 4 feet long tank is enough.

Tropheus moorii is herbivorous. In a tank, it can be fed with Spirullina, lettuce, spinach and prepared foods for Cichlids.

The only way of determining the individual’s sex is by examining the genital papillae which should only be done by experts.

These fish take about a year to reach maturity. Males start by displaying to the females, if a female is interested the male will take her to the spawning site. They start swimming in circles and the female lays her eggs, the male fertilizes them and the females picks them up with her mouth. The female keeps the eggs in her mouth for 6 weeks. Once the fry are released they can be fed with brine shrimp and microworms.

These fish can get easily sick if overfed and if the water is stale and has low oxygenation. They are especially susceptible to bloat.

This species can be found in the rocky coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa.