Learn some important information about spawning Tropheus duboisi, from the things you need for the breeding tank, setting the water pH and hardness, to their breeding behavior.
Tropheus duboisi originally comes from the rocky coastal waters of Northern Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Their fascinating color morph from teenage to adult makes them a unique kind to be kept in captivity. They own black-figure and white spots during their youth. When turning adult, Tropheus duboisi adorably change color to a blue-black body with a yellow or white vertical band under the dorsal fin. Raising and breeding this tiny species is rather difficult. Many have been unsuccessful. But don’t feel discouraged because here we will share some useful information about spawning Tropheus duboisi.
Natural Habitat and Characteristics
Before discussing spawning Tropheus duboisi, it is important to know their nature in the wild. This fish prefers upper rocky habitat in which algae mats grow fertile in the rocks or stones. This fish doesn’t territory one exact place but loves to move from one habitat to another. Tropheus duboisi is widely known for being aggressive towards its kind and chooses to be singly instead of being in a big colony.
This species is water sensitive. Therefore, regular water changes and good filtration are very important. Don’t only use tap water because the water pH is very different from what this fish needed, around 9.0 with the hardness level GH 16-KH 14. Because they are very active, large open spaces and several hiding places will create an ideal habitat.
Preparation for Spawning Tropheus Duboisi
Remember that when you try to breed Tropheus duboisi, you must pay attention to every detail needed. The equipment you will need includes 5 ft to 6 ft aquarium, a 2 ft grow-out tank, Tanganyika salt combination, external power filter, sponge filters, water pH and hardness testing kit, powerhead, calcium carbonate sand, and some rocks or stones.
Make sure you’ve conducted 25% percent of water two times a week. When arranging the rocks in the tank, don’t place them too high because Tropheus duboisi breed on high rocks. If the rocks are too high, the eggs will fall, and the female won’t look for them. Place at least 11 Tropheus duboisi in the tank with an equal number of males to females. If you are worried the male will be too aggressive, you can place more females in the tank.
Breeding Behaviors
Even if you can’t see egg spots on the male, the female will always learn where to collect the sperm. Most of them breed on a rock and bend outwards as they turn. To charm the male, the female starts flapping her dorsal fin. The female also offers her vent to the male while the male will stimulate her by entering the vent.
Later, female Tropheus duboisi will drop a large egg and swiftly spin and collect the single egg. Then, the male will offer his vent and attract the female with his dorsal fin. To stimulate the male, the female starts mouthing at the male’s cavity to let out the sperm to fertilize the egg that the female already releases. When spawning Tropheus duboisi, the female will release 6 to 15 eggs. The breeding behavior of female and male Tropheus duboisi is the same. The slight difference is the female collects and holds her eggs in her buccal vent.
The eggs are very large, and the female will free them after four to five weeks. Do not separate the mother from the eggs. Some breeders will remove the eggs which already turn into fry and tumble them. Other breeders, however, remove the eggs from the mother. Eggs will hatch around three to four days after the breeding.
That’s all helpful information about spawning Tropheus duboisi. We hope you find this helpful article and help you breeding these captivating little buddies.