Golden Tropheops (Tropheops tropheops)
| Golden Tropheops Tropheops tropheops | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Golden Tropheops |
| Name Lat. | Tropheops tropheops |
| Synonym | Pseudotropheus tropheops |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Malawi |
| Habitat | Rocky habitat |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 7.5-8.8 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12-14 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 10-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | 300 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4.7"-5.5" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 178-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | 80 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Yellow Mouthbrooders is exclusively (endemic) to Lake Malawi, where they occur on the southwest coast (Malawi) between the Maleri-Islands and the Chinyamwezi-Rocks and have produced several site variants. They belong to the group of mbuna that lives in the rocky shore zones
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rocky structures that reach the water surface, with plenty of crevices, caves and shelters to provide hiding places, as well as sturdy plants and some open sandy areas
There should be no detectable ammonia, ammonium or nitrite, and the nitrate level should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones and the microorganisms contained therein. The food supply consists of algae leaves, crushed peas, pureed leafy and wild vegetables, supplemented with live or frozen Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia or a special frozen food mixture enriched with vitamins. Alternatively, a high-quality dry food for algae-eating cichlids can be offered
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are temperamental and can be aggressive within the species as well as towards other fish. Males occupy territories, which they defend vigorously against conspecifics. They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. They can be socialized well with other cichlids from Lake Malawi, especially from the mbuna group.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexually mature male has a bluish base coloration and a distinct yellow egg spot on the anal fin. Juveniles and females have a golden yellow to orange ground coloration.
Reproduction and breeding
They are maternal mouth brooders. The female usually spawns on a flat rock. After the male fertilizes the eggs, she immediately takes the female into her throat pouch for mouth brood care and keeps the fry in her throat pouch even after they hatch. After about 4 weeks, the fry are released and brood care ends. During the entire brood care, the female does not take any food.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry is easy prey.
Important
Different site variants of yellow mouth brooders should not be maintained together as they can interbreed (hybridize)
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF