Tropheus duboisi cichlids are algae grazers from Lake Tanganyika, so they need a low-protein, plant-based diet: spirulina flakes or pellets, vegetable-based cichlid food and the occasional leafy green. Feeding them meaty, high-protein foods is a common cause of bloat and death, so this is the one rule to remember.
What Tropheus Eat
In the wild, Tropheus graze on the algae and tiny organisms (aufwuchs) growing on rocks. In the aquarium, offer:
- Spirulina flakes or a quality Tanganyikan herbivore pellet
- Small amounts of blanched spinach or romaine
- Rare treats of tiny crustaceans, such as a little brine shrimp, if at all
Avoid beef heart, bloodworm-heavy diets, and generic high-protein cichlid pellets. Soak dry foods briefly so they do not swell in the gut.
How Often to Feed
Because they graze constantly, many keepers feed small amounts two to three times a day, only what they finish in a couple of minutes. Do not overfeed. Remove uneaten food to keep water quality high.
Tank and Water Basics
- Group size: Keep a colony, generally 10 or more, in a large tank, because small groups often turn aggressive.
- Water: Hard, alkaline water, typically a pH of about 7.8 to 9 and temperatures around 75 to 82 F.
- Setup: Rock piles and caves for hiding, strong filtration and lots of water movement. Tropheus are sensitive to poor water, so do regular partial water changes.
Signs of Trouble
A swollen belly, stringy waste, loss of appetite or hiding can mean bloat or poor water quality. Test water, cut back feeding and consult an experienced fish keeper or aquatic vet. See also our frontosa cichlid food guide for comparison with a very different Tanganyikan diet.
Bottom Line
Keep Tropheus duboisi on a vegetable-heavy diet, feed small portions several times a day, and keep their water clean and hard. A plant-based diet is the best protection against bloat.
