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Duboisi Cichlid
Tropheus duboisi
📍 Africa
Tropheus duboisi, commonly known as the Duboisi Cichlid, is a striking African cichlid from Lake Tanganyika known for its bold black and white coloration that changes dramatically from juvenile to adult. These are highly specialized algae-eaters that require specific water conditions and a diet rich in vegetable matter. They are best kept in species-specific or carefully selected community tanks due to their territorial and aggressive feeding behavior.
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Care Guide
Diet
Tropheus duboisi are strict herbivores that feed primarily on algae and plant matter in their natural habitat. Feed high-quality spirulina-based pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and algae wafers 2-3 times daily in small portions. Avoid protein-rich foods and meaty diets, which can cause digestive issues and bloating.
Behavior
These cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding and feeding times. They are active swimmers that spend much of their time grazing on algae and rocky surfaces. Duboisi are social within their own species when kept in groups but will aggressively defend feeding territories and spawning sites.
Breeding
Tropheus duboisi are maternal mouthbrooders that breed readily in established tanks with proper conditions. Breeding pairs require rocky caves and stable water parameters; females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3-4 weeks before releasing fry. Provide plenty of hiding spaces and maintain consistent temperature and pH to encourage spawning.
Tank Mates
Common Diseases
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, lethargy
Improve water quality, reduce protein intake, feed high-quality herbivore diet, use medicated food if severe
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use ich medication, perform frequent water changes
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Pits or holes in head and lateral line, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Improve water quality, increase water changes, provide varied diet with quality foods, use medicated treatment if necessary
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication, ensure proper nutrition
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Herbivore - primarily algae-based diet with spirulina, vegetable matter, and specialized cichlid pellets
- lifespan
- 8-10 years
- max size
- 13 cm (5 in)
- tank size
- 75 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.5-9.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10-20 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)