Page 156 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

154 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Tropheus moorii
Moorii Yellow-Banded
Moorii It is not
ORIGINS East Africa, restricted to Lake Tanganyika, possible to rely on
where it occurs in the southern part of the lake. the coloration of
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). these Moorii to
determine the sexes,
DIET Cichlid diets and vegetable matter, including algae.
WATER Temperature 72–81°F (22–27°C); hard because the banded
patterning is
(150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). very variable.
TEMPERAMENT Somewhat territorial.

Striped Moorii This morph is from the southwestern
coast of Lake Tanganyika. As with all Moorii, its tank
must include rockwork.
These fish are similar in their habits to the
mbuna cichlids of Lake Malawi, feeding on
algae growing on rocks around the lake’s
perimeter. The many different morphs,
which vary widely in appearance, are
often named after the area of the lake in
which they occur. Moorii are lively fish and
thus may prove disruptive in a community tank.
Difficult to sex, they are maternal mouth-brooders.

Xenotilapia flavipinnis Julidochromis regani Cyphotilapia frontosa
Yellow-Finned Xenotilapia Striped Julie Frontosa

ORIGINS East Africa, restricted to the northern part of ORIGINS East Africa, around the rocky shoreline of ORIGINS East Africa, in Lake Tanganyika, where it occurs
Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika. in slightly deeper water away from the shoreline.
SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 15 in (35 cm).
DIET Cichlid diets and live foods. DIET Cichlid diets and live foods. DIET Cichlid diets and live foods.
WATER Temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); hard WATER Temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C); hard
(150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). (150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). (150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0).
TEMPERAMENT Relatively peaceful. TEMPERAMENT Territorial when breeding. TEMPERAMENT Predatory.
The distinctive yellow markings on the fins of Relatively Striped patterning and a distinctive hump on the
these large-eyed cichlids are more pronounced in Long, low dorsal fin slim body forehead help to distinguish this cichlid, male fish
males. Yellow-Finned Xenotilapias should be kept generally have a larger hump. Its large size and
in groups, although disagreements may arise during predatory nature mean that the Frontosa should
the spawning period. The female collects and cares not be mixed with smaller companions. The
for the eggs in her mouth, with the male often female lays about 50 eggs in a cave and then
sharing the mouth-brooding duties. These fish incubates them in her mouth. At first, she also
feed close to the substrate. Their aquarium broods her young in a similar way at night. The
should have little decor and a sandy base. male must be removed after spawning to prevent
him from devouring the eggs and offspring.
The chocolate-colored body of the Striped Julie has
pale yellow stripes along its length, and there is
often some blue on the lower fins. A tank for this
relatively large cichlid needs a sandy base; there
should be plenty of rocky areas and caves where
the fish can hide. Sexing is difficult, but females
swell noticeably with eggs prior to spawning,
which occurs in caves. The eggs, which number
up to 300, are guarded in the cave by both adults.

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