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Tropheus Moorii

Tropheus moorii Boulenger, 1898

Also called Blunthead Cichlid, Moorii

Easy-going with other kinds of fish but busy and competitive within its own group, where a clear pecking order forms; it does best in a large, settled colony.

SizeMedium
Length14.5 cm (6 in)12
Lifespan10 years1
CoatDeep-bodied algae-grazing cichlid
OriginEndemic to Lake Tanganyika, living in shallow water around rocky stretches of shoreline.123
Last checked2026-09-30
SpeciesShort profile
An enormous range of colour forms
Lively group behaviour
Devoted mouthbrooding mothers
32

Personality what they are like

Easy-going with other kinds of fish but busy and competitive within its own group, where a clear pecking order forms; it does best in a large, settled colony.23

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tropheus Moorii. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
  • Temperature checkevery day
  • Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
  • Water testevery week
  • Glass cleanevery week
  • Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied algae-grazing cichlid

A stocky fish with a rounded, blunt snout and thick lips suited to scraping rocks; males tend to be deeper-bodied with a more upturned nose.3

Coloursdozens of regional colour formsdark greenflame redyellowbanded forms32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Constantly on the move, grazing over rock surfaces through the day and patrolling a feeding spot.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

An experienced keeper's fish: needs very clean, hard, alkaline water with frequent changes and a group set up all at once, as newcomers are hard to add later.2

Home where they are happiest

For a group, at least 150 x 45 x 45 cm, ideally with 15-20 fish; open swimming space plus rockwork. Temperature about 23-27 C, pH 8.0-9.5, hardness around 8-25 dGH.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly a plant and algae eater: base the diet on spirulina flakes, blanched spinach and nori with a little live or frozen food; avoid red meats.21

Company who they like around

A colony fish; kept in a large group of 15-20 so attention is spread evenly.2

The story where it all began

Boulenger described the species in 1898, naming it after John Edmund Sharrock Moore, the explorer-naturalist who collected it. Its many lake-wide colour forms have made it one of the most collected Tanganyikan cichlids in the aquarium hobby.31

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    More than 40 (some sources say over 50) colour forms live in different parts of the lake.3

  2. 2

    Mothers carry the eggs in their mouths for around four to five weeks.3

  3. 3

    A brood is small, usually only about 5-20 bright orange eggs.3

  4. 4

    FishBase records a maximum age of 10 years.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Near Threatened (assessed 28 February 2025)1
Taxonomy
Described by George Albert Boulenger in 18981

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Tropheus Moorii?

Feed your Tropheus Moorii small amounts once or twice daily. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feedings. They are constant grazers, so offer spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or nori. Avoid overfeeding.21 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Tropheus Moorii eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat mainly plant-based foods like spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, and nori, with a little live or frozen food. Never feed red meats, as these can harm their digestion.21

How much space does a Tropheus Moorii need?

For a group of 15-20 fish, you need a tank at least 150 x 45 x 45 cm. They need open swimming space plus rockwork to graze on.21

What temperature, light or water does a Tropheus Moorii need?

Keep water temperature between 23-27°C, pH 8.0-9.5, and hardness 8-25 dGH. They need very clean, hard, alkaline water with frequent changes. Lighting can be moderate.21

How often should I clean a Tropheus Moorii's home?

Pet Wiki's plan suggests a 25% water change every week, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. These fish need very clean water, so stick to a regular schedule.2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Tropheus Moorii live with others?

Yes, they are easy-going with other fish species, but they do best in a large colony of 15-20 of their own kind. Within the group, a pecking order forms, so set up the whole group at once.2

How long does a Tropheus Moorii live?

Tropheus Moorii can live up to 10 years with proper care.1

Can I handle a Tropheus Moorii?

It is best not to handle this fish; they are sensitive and need stable conditions. For handling advice, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Tropheus moorii fishbase.seused for size, lifespan, water, diet, IUCN, breeding
  2. Seriously Fish: Tropheus moorii seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, group keeping, diet, colour forms
  3. Wikipedia: Tropheus moorii en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, colour forms, behaviour, etymology, breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.