Teleostei (teleosts) >
Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Tropheus: Greek, tropaion = defeat, a memorial of a fighting war, trophy; because of their specialized teeth were such an obvious feeding adaptation (Ref. 45335).
Eponymy: Dr Max Fernand Leon Poll (1908–1991) was a Belgian ichthyologist, and ‘connoisseur of the fish fauna’. [...] (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 8.5 - 9.0; dH range: 10 - 12; depth range 6 - 10 m (Ref. 49179). Tropical; 24°C - 26°C (Ref. 1672); 4°S - 8°S
Africa: endemic to Lake Tanganyika, occurs along the central east coast of the lake (Ref. 5713, 6770, 49179, 93901).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 16.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5713)
Occurs among rocks and stones in the littoral region of Lake Tanganyika; seldom strays more than 6 or 7 metres from a given area, even when pursued; found at depths between 6 and 10 metres (Ref. 49179). Feeds by grazing on rock biocover (Ref. 6770). Aquarium keeping: many females for one male; minimum aquarium size 150 cm (Ref. 51539).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Axelrod, G.S., 1977. A new species of Tropheus (Pisces: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika. Spec. Publ. J.L.B. Smith Inst. Ichthyol. 17:12 p. (Ref. 49179)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Aquarium: commercial
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