The Tropheops (Tropheops tropheops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The tropheops is a rock cichlid ('mbuna') of the family Cichlidae reaching about 14 cm, endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Characteristic is the blunt, rounded head with an inferior mouth. The colour varies strongly between the numerous local populations and between the sexes: males are often blue or yellow, females usually yellow-brown. The species lives along rocky shores in shallow water and grazes algae ('aufwuchs') from the stones with its mouth, supplemented with small invertebrates. As a mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth until they are independent. Because of its colour and behaviour the tropheops, like other mbuna, is a popular but territorial aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tropheops?
The Tropheops has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Tropheops live?
The Tropheops lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Tropheops get?
The Tropheops grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Tropheops dangerous to humans?
No, the Tropheops is harmless to humans.
Is the Tropheops edible?
The Tropheops is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tropheops
More from the family Cichlidae
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