Tropheus moorii 'Moliro'

Tropheus moorii 'Moliro' is collected from the rocky cape of Moliro on the Democratic Republic of Congo's southern Tanganyika coastline. Adults display a bold orange to amber blaze across the anterior body and nape, contrasting dramatically with the dark grey-to-black flanks and fins.

The Moliro morph is considered moderately available in specialist circles and breeds reliably in captivity, producing offspring that develop full colour between 10 and 15 months of age. The orange intensity is strongly influenced by diet quality and water alkalinity.

As with all Tropheus moorii morphs, the Moliro requires a dedicated herbivore approach: no animal protein, stable alkaline chemistry, and a colony of at least 12 individuals in a heavily decorated aquarium to manage the species' notorious intraspecific aggression.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, hard and alkaline; perform 25% water changes twice weekly in heavily stocked colonies. Tank: 300 L minimum; dense stacked rockwork; avoid flat open areas that encourage dominant males to monopolise space. Feeding: Spirulina-based staple; Rift Lake-specific pellets; avoid any high-protein or oily foods to prevent bloat. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 5–15 eggs; brood held 4 weeks; separate holding female for fry safety. Compatibility: Best species-only; Petrochromis or robust Lamprologini may coexist in very large setups.