Tropheus duboisi

Tropheus duboisi is one of the most visually striking cichlids from Lake Tanganyika: juveniles are velvety black with eye-catching white polka dots across the body, while adults develop a broad yellow or white band across the mid-body against a dark background. A specialist species with very specific dietary and social requirements, it must be kept in large same-species groups of 10 or more to distribute aggression and prevent dominant individuals from persecuting weaker fish. A primarily vegetarian diet is critical — high-protein foods cause fatal Malawi/Tanganyika bloat.

Keep in groups of 10 or more in a tank of 300 L minimum with extensive rockwork. Feed exclusively high-fiber, spirulina-based foods: quality mbuna pellets, spirulina flake, blanched spinach, and nori. Never feed beef heart, bloodworm, or high-protein foods — bloat will follow. Perform 25–30% water changes twice weekly. Maintain hard, alkaline Lake Tanganyika water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 6–12, temp 24–27°C.