{"product_id":"tropheus-duboisi","title":"Tropheus Duboisi","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropheus Duboisi, commonly known as the White Spotted Cichlid, is a striking Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic colour transformation as it matures. Juveniles have a dark body covered in contrasting white spots, while adults develop a deep blue to almost black body with a distinctive pale yellow and\/or white band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, Tropheus Duboisi are active grazers that spend much of their time picking algae and microorganisms from rocks. They are highly social fish that establish a clear hierarchy within their group and are best suited to aquariums with plenty of rockwork, hiding places and open areas for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropheus Duboisi are territorial and can be aggressive towards their own kind, particularly when kept in small groups. Keeping them as a properly established group helps spread aggression throughout the hierarchy and allows them to develop their natural social structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can be kept with other suitable Lake Tanganyika cichlids with caution, as long as the aquarium is appropriately sized and arranged with plenty of rockwork and visual barriers. Care should be taken when introducing new fish to an established colony, as unfamiliar additions may be heavily targeted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropheus Duboisi are primarily herbivorous grazers and naturally spend much of their time feeding on algae and microorganisms growing across rocks. Their aquarium diet should reflect this natural feeding behaviour, with a quality plant-based or spirulina-rich food forming the majority of their diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach can also be offered occasionally. Avoid regularly feeding large amounts of rich or high-protein foods, as Tropheus can be sensitive to an inappropriate diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropheus Duboisi are maternal mouthbrooders. During breeding, the female collects and carries the fertilised eggs in her mouth, protecting them until they hatch and develop into free-swimming fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA suitable breeding colony with stable water conditions, plenty of rockwork and minimal disturbance provides the best opportunity for natural breeding behaviour. Once released, the fry can be raised on appropriately sized, nutritious foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rocky Lake Tanganyika-style aquarium is ideal for Tropheus Duboisi. Use plenty of smooth rocks to create territories, caves and visual barriers, while leaving open areas where the fish can graze naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sandy or fine-grained substrate works well, and strong filtration with good oxygenation is recommended to maintain clean, stable water conditions. Hardy plants such as Anubias or Java Fern can be used if desired, although plants are not essential to their setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed 4-6cm","offer_id":47737184485547,"sku":"duboisi-uns-4cm","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/tropheus-duboisi","provider":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}