Tropheus brichardi 'Ubwari'

Tropheus brichardi 'Ubwari' hails from the Ubwari Peninsula on the western DRC shore of Lake Tanganyika. This population stands out among brichardi forms for a vivid orange blaze on the anterior body and nape, contrasting with the darker posterior, giving it a bicolour appearance reminiscent of some moorii morphs but with the characteristic brichardi body shape.

The Ubwari form is rarely exported in large numbers and is primarily available through dedicated specialist breeders in Europe. Captive-bred specimens breed reliably, and the orange colouration is well-maintained across generations.

All standard Tropheus care requirements apply. T. brichardi is not significantly different to manage compared to T. moorii and should be treated with equal rigour regarding diet, group size, and water chemistry.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–18; western Tanganyika populations adapt well to captive alkaline conditions. Tank: 300 L minimum; extensive rockwork; strong filtration to handle bioload of large colony. Feeding: Spirulina flake and pellet exclusively; astaxanthin-enhanced foods boost orange pigmentation. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; 4–10 fry per brood; smaller than moorii clutches. Compatibility: Species-only or with compatible Petrochromis; strict morph isolation required.