Care and Compatibility of Duboisi Cichlid - Tropheus duboisi


Introduction

The Duboisi Cichlid has a robust and laterally compressed body. Its characteristic coloration consists of a black background with white spots or dots all over the body, including the fins. Males typically have larger and more distinct spots than females. In addition to its color pattern, they can develop a prominent hump on the head as they grow.

Behavior

The Duboisi Cichlid, also known as Tropheus duboisi, is a fish native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is known for its distinctive black and white coloration pattern and territorial behavior. Males are usually larger and have more intense coloration than females. They are active and energetic fish that can display aggressive behavior towards other fish of the same species.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Tropheus duboisi is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance, although males may be slightly larger and more colorful during breeding season.

Reproduction

Breeding Duboisi Cichlids can be challenging in captivity due to their territorial and aggressive behavior. To breed them, it is recommended to provide them with a large tank with rocks and caves to create separate territories. The female will lay her eggs on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them. The parents should be separated after breeding to prevent them from consuming the eggs or fry.

Aquarium Conditions

Tropheus duboisi, commonly known as the Duboisi cichlid, requires a large, well-decorated aquarium with plenty of rocks to form structures and hiding spots. It prefers alkaline water and a warm temperature. Aquarium décor should include stacked rocks and minimal vegetation. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a balanced diet.

Feeding

When it comes to feeding, the Duboisi Cichlid is primarily herbivorous. In the wild, it feeds on algae and other plant material found in its habitat. In the aquarium, a varied diet can be provided, including plant-based foods such as flake or pellet food with spirulina, as well as suitable frozen or live foods for herbivorous fish.

Complexity

Caring for Tropheus duboisi can be challenging. They are territorial and aggressive fish, especially during breeding season. It's recommended to keep them in large groups and in a spacious tank to distribute aggression. They are herbivores and their diet should consist mainly of vegetable-based foods.


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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Tropheus duboisi (Duboisi Cichlid) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Duboisi Cichlid with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.

You can also find out the 11 species compatible with the Tropheus duboisi (Duboisi Cichlid) can live together.

Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.


Compatible species (11)

Compatible (1 Species)

Compatible without any restriction


Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish

Hypostomus plecostomus

With Reservation (9 Species)

Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.


Horned Snail - Tyloperlamania sp

Horned Snail

Tyloperlamania sp

IndoPlanorbis Exustus - Planorbis planorbis

IndoPlanorbis Exustus

Planorbis planorbis

Duboisi Cichlid - Tropheus duboisi

Duboisi Cichlid

Tropheus duboisi

Dwarf Pombos - Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Dwarf Pombos

Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Neon Spot fish - Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Neon Spot fish

Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Luwala Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Acei

Luwala Cichlid

Pseudotropheus Acei

Bumblebee Cichlid - Pseudotropheus crabro

Bumblebee Cichlid

Pseudotropheus crabro

Johanni Cichlid - Melanochromis johannii

Johanni Cichlid

Melanochromis johannii

Melanochromis auratus - Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Considerable size difference (1 Species)

They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.


Nerite Snail - Neritina sp

Nerite Snail

Neritina sp

Duboisi Cichlid

Tropheus duboisi

Duboisi Cichlid - Tropheus duboisi
  • Ph: 8 - 9.5
  • Temperature (c°): 23 - 28
  • Measures: 10 cm - 12cm
  • Aquarium Capacity:
    18 Liters - 5 Gallons
  • Behavior: Aggressive
  • Size: Medium
  • Taxonomy: Mbunas
  • Water Type: Sweet water