Tropheus brichardi is a smallish African cichlid from beautiful Lake Tanganyika. Body color is dark blue-grey with several darker verticle bands running along it. Their fins are yellowish, with the dorsal being short but long-based.

Tank Setup

Provide these Africans with plenty of territories by using rocks thoughout the tank. Several fish may be kept per tank providing they all have their own territorial caves. The substrate should be fine and sandy, with stones scattered throughout the aquarium.

Feeding

Feed Tropheus brichardi a varied diet of live foods as well as vegetable matter and prepared foods such as flakes and small pellets. They will eat algae and plants if vegetable matter isn't supplied, and sometimes they'll eat plants even if it is supplied.

Water Chemistry

The Brichardi requires water values that simulate that of Lake Tanganyika. An alkaline pH between 7.5-8.5 should be used in order for the fish to thrive. The water should be hard and have a temperature between 75-79 degrees F.

Breeding

Tropheus brichardi is an open breeder. The fish will pair off and find an area to spawn. The female will lay about 20 eggs on a cleaned rock or the substrate, where the parents will guard them. These fish are mouthbrooders and model parents, guarding their young ferociously against predators.