Tropheops gracilior "Cove Mountain"
Tropheops gracilior (formerly known as Tropheops sp."black") is found in rocky environments along the eastern coast, northern from Lundu and along the western coast northern from Mundola Point. This variant can be found near the steeply descending rocky coast of Cove Mountain along the Tanzanian coast however they can also be found at Lutara Reef in front of the coast at Cove Mountain. Nowadays the name Lutara Reef is usually used for both collecting points because on these both locations are living the same species and colorforms of these species.
In the lake the males of these species can grow to 11 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 10 cm.
Tropheops gracilior is a very intolerant cichlid against all inhabitants in the aquarium.
You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbunas in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places.
In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae from the rocks. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu.
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