Overview
- The Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus duboisi), or white-spotted cichlid, is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid. Juveniles are black with white spots and adults develop a pale band.
- Lives in rocky areas, in deeper water than other Tropheus.
- Grows to about 5 in (12 cm) standard length.
- Popular, but not a good fish for beginners.
Feeding
- Vegetable matter should be the main diet: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach and nori.
- Add small amounts of live and frozen foods.
- Never feed beefheart or other animal meat, which upsets its digestion.
Habitat
- [UNVERIFIED] Seriously Fish suggests a 48 × 12 × 12 in (120 × 30 × 30 cm) tank, about 29 gallons (108 liters). A group needs much more space.
- Rock piles forming caves, with open swimming areas. Some keepers use bare tanks.
- Hard, alkaline water: 73–81°F (23–27°C), pH 8.0–9.5, GH 8–25.
Fish Care
- Wild fish are more delicate than tank-bred fish.
- Keep water quality stable and high.
Compatibility
- Fairly peaceful toward other species.
- Good with Julidochromis, Eretmodus and Tanganicodus, which need a similar diet.
- Avoid shy fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Very active. Squabbles with its own kind.
- A peaceful group is hard to get. Some fish, especially lower-ranking males, may be lost.
Breeding
- A maternal mouthbrooder.
- Start with 20–30 young, tank-bred fish and let them grow on together.