Tropheus moorii 'Muzi'

Tropheus moorii 'Muzi' displays a warm amber-to-red colouration that suffuses the upper body and dorsal region against a dark charcoal base. This form is collected from the Muzi locality, and captive-bred specimens maintain their colouration well provided diet and water conditions are optimised.

The Muzi morph is considered moderately available in specialist circles. It is a reliable mouthbrooder in captivity, and experienced keepers note that males of this form are particularly assertive during breeding activity, making adequate colony size even more important.

All care requirements are standard for Tropheus: a strictly herbivorous diet is mandatory, alkaline hard water must be maintained consistently, and the colony must number at least 12 to prevent fatal aggression directed at any single subordinate fish.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, hard alkaline water; use Tanganyika salt blend or crushed coral to maintain KH 8–18. Tank: 300 L minimum; dense rockwork essential; males establish and defend territories aggressively. Feeding: Spirulina flake and pellet as core diet; occasional blanched greens; strictly avoid bloodworm or meaty foods. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; brood 5–12 fry; strip or allow natural release after 4 weeks in isolation. Compatibility: Species tank recommended; compatible only with very robust co-inhabitants in very large tanks.