Scientific Name(s): Tropheus duboisi

Common Name(s): Duboisi, Duboisi Cichlid

Family: Cichlid

Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika

Maximum Size: 5 inches

Life Span: 12 years

Natural Habitat: African Lake Tanganyika

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Tank Region: All over

Possible Tank Mates: Best left as the only cichlid species in the tank with some dither fish such as rainbow fish.

Breeding Information: Males are quite territorial and are aggressive in their attempts to coax females to spawn. They never seem to tire of this either - males want to spawn every minute of the day. This fish should never be kept in 1:1 ratios. One male to three or four females is an ideal ratio, but keep in mind that the "only correct way to keep this species in captivity is in a group of ten or more individuals." The most difficult challenge to breeding T. duboisi is bringing the females into spawning condition.

Sexing Information: Males tend to have a turned-up nose while females tend to have a greater slope and rounded nose. Males will also grow at a faster rate (generally) and display their adult colors sooner. Males' coloration is also often more bold than females' because they like to show it off when courting females. Adult males will also tend to have a deeper body, whereas females appear more slim and streamline. While these characteristics may help an experienced hobbyist, venting is the only sure way to determine gender with Tropheus.

Diet: Spirulina-based flake food supplimented with fresh green vegetables such as romaine lettuce and spinach.

Temperment: Highly aggressive and territorial.

Common Diseases: This species is highly subsceptible to bloat.