Fin's Fish Guide
The Blunthead cichlid (Tropheus moorii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
Tropheus moorii, the blunthead cichlid, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a stocky body with a blunt head and reaches about 15 cm. It is famous for its enormous colour variation: dozens of geographic races exist, often dark with a brightly coloured band or blotch. Adults are solitary and territorial and graze aufwuchs (algae and associated organisms) from rocks with the mouth. Like many Tanganyika cichlids the species is a mouthbrooder, in which the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth for a long time. Owing to its colourfulness the species is very popular with cichlid keepers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blunthead cichlid?
The Blunthead cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Enormous colour variation with dozens of geographical races; aufwuchs-grazing mouthbrooder.
Where does the Blunthead cichlid live?
The Blunthead cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
How big does the Blunthead cichlid get?
The Blunthead cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Blunthead cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Blunthead cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blunthead cichlid edible?
The Blunthead cichlid is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tropheus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blunthead cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blunthead cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.