Blue eyed tropheus - Tropheus brichardi

Scientific name: Tropheus brichardi

Common name: Blue eyed tropheus

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 20°N (142.86 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Provide Blue eyed tropheus with cichlid pellets or a quality flake for the staple diet. Supplement with spirulina flake and live or frozen treats of blood worms or brine shrimp. Be careful not to over feed these fish as it can cause bloat.

Origin

Africa; Blue eyed tropheus are endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

Sub dominant males and females will have a drab colouration, the dominant male in the tank will colour up brightly with a greenish body colour and a gold tinge to it.

Breeding

The male and female will shimmy to each other and swim in circles. The eggs will be deposited in the water and the female will take them into her mouth. Brooding can take up to 4 weeks and when the fry are released they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or Cyclops.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Tropheus brichardi is 3-6 years.

Short description

Add plenty of rock work to the tank to provide hiding places and to allow the fish to establish territories. Tropheus brichardi gets its common name as it is believed that its eyes will turn bright blue if kept in the correct water parameters.This species should be kept with similar-sized fishes.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.