All fish / Cichlidae

Tropheus annectens

Tropheus annectens

Also known as tropheus polli, tropheus annectens kiku, annectens tropheus, tropheus sp. annectens, トロフェウス・アネクテンス, 慈鲷 Tropheus annectens

A stocky, deep-bodied Tanganyikan cichlid with a dark body crossed by pale or yellowish bars, and a long dorsal fin. It is related to Tropheus moorii and was long sold as Tropheus polli. Keepers value it for its lively behaviour and as a less common Tropheus species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8 to 9

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Group of 10 to 15 or more, one species per tank

Diet

Herbivore: spirulina flakes and pellets, algae-based foods and blanched greens; avoid rich meaty foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika (southern and south-eastern shores, Tanzania and Zambia)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder in which the female carries a small clutch of large eggs for around four weeks. Breeding happens readily in a large, well-kept colony, but stress from aggression can lead females to spit their eggs.

Good to know

It is very aggressive towards its own kind, so keep a large group in a big tank and do not mix it with other Tropheus. It is prone to bloat if given protein-rich food or poor water, so frequent water changes are important.