White-spotted cichlid

White-spotted cichlid key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 12 cm TL (FishBase)

Temperature

24〜26℃

Diet

Mainly herbivorous (spirulina and other plant-based foods)

Water Temperature & Quality

24-26°C, pH 8.5-9.0, 10-12 dH (FishBase). Keep hard, alkaline water; it is very sensitive to poor water quality, so filtration and water changes are essential.

Aquarium

FishBase recommends one male with many females in a tank of at least 150 cm. Build rock piles on sand with plenty of hiding places and open swimming space.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Fairly peaceful to other species but fights conspecifics. Groups of 5-6 rarely settle; 15-20 is usual. Newcomers added to an established group are not tolerated.

Diet & Feeding

Base the diet on plant matter such as spirulina foods and blanched vegetables, with only small amounts of frozen food. Never feed mammalian meat.

Breeding & Egg-laying

The female mouthbroods 5-15 eggs for over four weeks before releasing fry. Stress can make her spit or eat the brood, so avoid moving brooding females.

Health & Cautions

Sexing is difficult. It readily falls ill from poor water or unsuitable food and is not a beginner's fish.

About White-spotted cichlid

Tropheus duboisi (White-spotted cichlid) is an algae-grazing cichlid from northern Lake Tanganyika, reaching a maximum of 12 cm. Spotted juveniles become blue-faced adults. Rated for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a White-spotted cichlid

1. 1Looks change with age

   Juveniles are black with white spots, while adults develop a blue face and a yellow-to-white band across the body. Because young fish look so different from adults, check how they will look when mature before bringing one home.

2. 2For experienced keepers

   This species is rated for experienced keepers. Water quality, diet and tank mates all need careful attention, so it suits people who already have solid fish-keeping experience.

3. 3A rocky tank layout

   In the wild it lives on the rocky shores of northern Lake Tanganyika. Stacking rocks to create hiding places and break lines of sight, in a tank with plenty of floor space, can help the fish settle.

4. 4Stable water, good oxygen

   Fish from Lake Tanganyika are generally kept in alkaline water, and this species is regarded as sensitive to sudden changes. Provide strong filtration and aeration for good oxygen levels, and favor small, frequent water changes over large ones.

5. 5Plant-based diet

   As an algae-grazing, herbivore-leaning fish, it does best on foods built around plant ingredients such as spirulina. Feeding too much protein-rich, animal-based food is often said to strain the digestive system, so watch both content and amount.

6. 6Fighting among its own kind

   It isn't especially aggressive toward other species, but it fights fiercely with its own kind. Groups of 5–6 don't settle, so it is usually kept in a group of 15–20. Newcomers added later are not accepted, so provide plenty of hiding spots and check daily that no fish is being chased continuously.

7. 7Prepare before arrival

   Set up the tank, filter and aeration, and let the water stabilize before the fish arrives. Ask the seller about the tank conditions and the food the fish has been eating, and start with the same food after arrival to ease the stress of the move.

Frequently asked questions about White-spotted cichlid

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.Its difficulty is rated for experienced keepers. Water quality, feeding and tank mates all take careful management, so it is best considered after you have built up some fish-keeping experience.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.The maximum total length is 12 cm according to FishBase. Its color and pattern also change considerably as it grows.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Reliable information on lifespan is limited, so we cannot give a definite figure. Observe the fish daily and set up a stable environment with the long term in mind.

Q.What does it eat?

A.It is an algae-grazing fish that leans herbivorous, so plant-based foods suit it best. Be careful not to overfeed animal-based foods.

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.It isn't especially aggressive toward other species, but it fights fiercely with its own kind, so it is usually kept in a group of 15–20. This requires a large tank, and fish added to an established group later are not accepted.

Useful tools for White-spotted cichlid care

Learn more about White-spotted cichlid in the encyclopedia

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