Red Tropheus
Tropheus sp. 'Red'
Also known as: Red Tropheus, Tropheus Red
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 13 cm
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 8-12
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- herbivore
- Temperament
- aggressive; intense within-group social hierarchy; requires expert management
About
The Red Tropheus is a striking colour morph of the Tropheus complex, exhibiting a rich red to orange body colouration that contrasts sharply with its dark head and fins. Like all Tropheus, it is exclusively herbivorous and highly aggressive within its species. It demands strict dietary management and expert-level husbandry to thrive.
Care Guide
Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water; zero tolerance for nitrate accumulation. Tank: Minimum 200L; very heavily decorated with rocks to limit line-of-sight aggression. Feeding: Strictly herbivorous — spirulina flake, algae pellets, blanched courgette; no meat-based foods. Behaviour: Highly aggressive intraspecifically; groups of 15+ essential to prevent targeted persecution of individuals. Compatibility: Tropheus-only strongly recommended; mixing colour morphs causes hybridisation.
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