(ALL) Spotted Duboisi (Tropheus duboisi “Spotted”)[≈2 inches]

Description

Spotted Duboisi (Tropheus duboisi “Spotted”)

📌 Basic Info

Scientific Name: Tropheus duboisi
Common Names: Spotted Duboisi, Duboisi Cichlid, Maswa Spotted
Family: Cichlidae (African Cichlids)
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa — rocky shorelines and shallow coastal areas
Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm)
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Tank Zone: Middle and bottom dweller

🌊 Water Parameters

TDS: 200 – 400 ppm
pH: 7.8 – 9.0 (alkaline)
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

Body: Oval-shaped, robust cichlid with a slightly protruding mouth for scraping algae.
Coloration: Dark blue to black base with numerous bright white spots all over the body.
Behavior: Territorial and active; males establish and defend rocky territories.
Nature: Social — thrives in groups to distribute aggression and maintain natural hierarchy.
Unique Feature: Juveniles and sub-adults exhibit more intense spotting than mature adults.

🍽️ Food

Type: Herbivorous (aufwuchs grazer)
Diet: Spirulina flakes, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, occasional frozen mysis.
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small amounts.
Tip: Avoid protein-rich meaty foods — can cause digestive issues or bloat.

🛠️ Maintenance

Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280 L) for a group of 10–12 individuals.
Filtration: Strong filtration with high oxygenation; maintain stable water conditions.
Decor: Rocky aquascape with caves, crevices, and flat stones; open swimming areas for grazing.
Lighting: Moderate to bright — supports natural algae growth.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly to maintain stable, clean water.

👥 Social Behavior

Group Size: Keep in groups of 10–12 or more to minimize aggression.
Tank Mates: Other Tanganyikan cichlids with similar size and temperament — e.g., Tropheus moorii, Julidochromis, Eretmodus.
Avoid: Soft-water species or very small fish; aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi.

✅ Do’s

• Maintain alkaline, hard water typical of Lake Tanganyika.
• Provide plenty of rocky hiding spots and caves.
• Feed mainly vegetable-based foods.
• Keep in sizable groups to reduce aggression.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t feed high-protein or meaty diets.
• Don’t house in small numbers — aggression increases.
• Don’t mix with soft-water or timid fish.

⭐ Quick Tips

The Spotted Duboisi is a vibrant and visually striking Tanganyikan cichlid known for its white spotting pattern over a dark body. It is perfect for biotope or African cichlid aquariums and requires careful group management, rocky decor, and algae-based diet to thrive. Ideal for experienced aquarists who appreciate social, territorial, and herbivorous cichlids.