Tropheus moorii 'Bemba'

Tropheus moorii 'Bemba' originates from the rocky northern shoreline near Bemba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Males develop a vivid red-orange saddle that contrasts sharply with the jet-black body and fins, intensifying under alkaline Tanganyika water conditions. This is one of the most striking and widely traded Tropheus colour forms in the European hobby.

Like all Tropheus, the Bemba morph is a strict herbivore that must receive a diet based almost entirely on plant matter — spirulina, blanched vegetables, and high-quality vegetable-based pellets. Protein-rich or fatty foods rapidly cause the fatal bloat disease that devastates Tropheus colonies.

Group dynamics are critical: a minimum colony of 12 individuals distributes male aggression across the group, preventing any single fish from being singled out and killed. A large, heavily rockscaped aquarium of 300 L or more with clear sight-line breaks is essential for long-term colony stability.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, hard alkaline water; GH 10–20, KH 8–18, weekly water changes of 25–30%. Tank: 300 L minimum, dense rockwork with many caves and hiding spots to break lines of sight. Feeding: Spirulina-based flake or pellet as staple; blanched spinach or nori accepted; strictly avoid bloodworm, beef heart, or high-protein foods. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 5–15 fry for 4 weeks; remove holdng female or use a separate rearing tank. Compatibility: Best kept species-only or with other robust Tanganyika cichlids such as Petrochromis or large Neolamprologus; never mix Tropheus morphs.