Photo: Alexander Langer (CC BY-SA 3.0) — via Wikimedia Commons
White Spotted Cichlid (Tropheus duboisi)
A velvety black Tanganyikan cichlid that wears a bold white polka-dot pattern as a juvenile — and transforms completely as it matures.
Will it live with a White Spotted Cichlid?
We compare each fish against your white spotted cichlid on temperament, size, water parameters and swimming zone. Set your tank size and filter the results.
- African Dwarf Frog✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 4 cm · Medium care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Blue Turbo Snail✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5 cm · Medium care · 25–30 °C (77–86 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 25–28 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Cherry Shrimp✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 3 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 24–28 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Cherry Shrimp in a shoal of 10+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Corydoras Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6.5 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 24–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Corydoras Catfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Ghost Shrimp✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 4 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–28 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Ghost Shrimp in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Japanese Trapdoor Snail✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5 cm · Easy care · 10–28 °C (50–82 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Malaysian Trumpet Snail✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 3 cm · Easy care · 21–27 °C (70–81 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Marbled Hoplo✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 14 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–28 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Red Lip Nerite Snail✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 2 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–28 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotfin Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6.5 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Spotfin Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotted Talking Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 15 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Upside-down Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bearded Corydoras⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Medium care · 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.6); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Bearded Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Boesemani Rainbowfish⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 11 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Boesemani Rainbowfish are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add boesemani rainbowfish in a group to spread the pressure.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Boesemani Rainbowfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bristlenose Pleco⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 23–30 °C (73–86 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Clown Rasbora⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Medium care · 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 5.5–7); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- White Spotted Cichlid and Clown Rasbora are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add clown rasbora in a group to spread the pressure.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Clown Rasbora in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Betta⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 5–7); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Water hardness preferences differ (White Spotted Cichlid 10–20 vs Giant Betta 1–8 dGH).
- White Spotted Cichlid is aggressive and may chase or nip the smaller Giant Betta — plant heavily and break up sight lines.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Danio⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Giant Danio 6.5–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- White Spotted Cichlid and Giant Danio are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add giant danio in a group to spread the pressure.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Giant Danio in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Kuhli Loach⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Giant Kuhli Loach 6–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keyhole Cichlid⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Expect White Spotted Cichlid to harass Keyhole Cichlid at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Kuhli Loach⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Kuhli Loach 5.5–7) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- One likes softer water and the other harder (10–20 vs 1–8 dGH) — a compromise, not a perfect match.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Mascara Barb⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Expect White Spotted Cichlid to harass Mascara Barb at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Mascara Barb in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Medusa Pleco⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Medusa Pleco 6.4–7.4) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Murray River Rainbowfish⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 11 cm · Easy care · 15–26 °C (59–79 °F)
- Expect White Spotted Cichlid to harass Murray River Rainbowfish at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Murray River Rainbowfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Pearl Gourami⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Pearl Gourami 6–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- White Spotted Cichlid and Pearl Gourami are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add pearl gourami in a group to spread the pressure.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Rubber Lip Pleco⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6.5–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotted Rubbernose Pleco⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Spotted Rubbernose Pleco 6.5–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Striped Eel Loach⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.2); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Alligator Gar⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 250 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Alligator Gar are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Size gap is too large (250 vs 12 cm): Alligator Gar will treat White Spotted Cichlid as food.
- White Spotted Cichlid is a notorious fin-nipper — even though Alligator Gar is larger, an active shoal will harass its trailing fins. Only safe in a full group of 8+ with plenty of cover.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~3785 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Clown Knifefish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 90 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Two assertive fish, one genuinely aggressive: White Spotted Cichlid and Clown Knifefish will hold territory and clash.
- Size gap is too large (90 vs 12 cm): Clown Knifefish will treat White Spotted Cichlid as food.
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Clown Knifefish 6–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~750 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Fire Eel⛔ Not recommendedSemi-aggressive · 100 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Two assertive fish, one genuinely aggressive: White Spotted Cichlid and Fire Eel will hold territory and clash.
- Fire Eel (100 cm) is big enough to swallow the 12 cm White Spotted Cichlid whole.
- pH preferences only just meet (White Spotted Cichlid 7.8–9 vs Fire Eel 6.5–7.5) — target the overlap and acclimate slowly.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~380 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Koi⛔ Not recommendedPeaceful · 90 cm · Medium care · 4–28 °C (39–82 °F)
- Size gap is too large (90 vs 12 cm): Koi will treat White Spotted Cichlid as food.
- Koi is slow and long-finned; a busy white spotted cichlid shoal tends to nip at it. Keep white spotted cichlid in a proper group of 8+ and watch them closely.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~3800 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Mekong Giant Catfish⛔ Not recommendedSemi-aggressive · 300 cm · Hard care · 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Mekong Giant Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6.5–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- White Spotted Cichlid is a notorious fin-nipper — even though Mekong Giant Catfish is larger, an active shoal will harass its trailing fins. Only safe in a full group of 8+ with plenty of cover.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~100000 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Redtail Catfish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 120 cm · Hard care · 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Redtail Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Size gap is too large (120 vs 12 cm): Redtail Catfish will treat White Spotted Cichlid as food.
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~5700 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotted Gar⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 90 cm · Hard care · 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Spotted Gar are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- White Spotted Cichlid is bite-sized to a 90 cm predatory spotted gar — it will be eaten.
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6.5–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- White Spotted Cichlid is a notorious fin-nipper — even though Spotted Gar is larger, an active shoal will harass its trailing fins. Only safe in a full group of 8+ with plenty of cover.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~600 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Wels Catfish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 300 cm · Hard care · 15–25 °C (59–77 °F)
- White Spotted Cichlid and Wels Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- White Spotted Cichlid is bite-sized to a 300 cm predatory wels catfish — it will be eaten.
- Different pH ranges (7.8–9 vs 6.5–7.5); doable if you sit in the shared band, but not ideal long-term.
- Your 200 L tank is below the ~20000 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep White Spotted Cichlid in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
Compatibility is computed from each species' care data — a strong starting point, not a guarantee. Individual temperament varies, so always introduce new fish slowly and watch them.
White Spotted Cichlid care specs
- Care level
- Hard
- Breeding
- Hard
- Max size
- 12 cm (4.7 in)
- Min tank size
- 200 L (52.8 gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 7.8–9
- Hardness
- 10–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Swim level
- Middle
- Group size
- 8+ (shoaling)
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (northern rocky shoreline)
What is a White Spotted Cichlid?
The White Spotted Cichlid (Tropheus duboisi) is a robust, herbivorous cichlid endemic to the rocky northern shoreline of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is the most dramatically patterned juvenile of any Tropheus species: young fish arrive jet-black and peppered with bright white spots — a look completely unlike any other Tanganyikan cichlid. Those spots fade as the fish matures, replaced by a bold yellow or blue mid-body band that varies by geographic variant. Adults reach around 12 cm (4.7 in) and keep the deep black or dark brown base colour for life.
What makes T. duboisi compelling to experienced keepers is the combination: an evolutionary colour transformation, complex colonial social dynamics, and demanding Tanganyikan water chemistry. This is not a beginner fish. In the right hands — and the right tank — a colony is a genuinely impressive display.
Where do White Spotted Cichlids come from?
Tropheus duboisi is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, occurring along the northern rocky shoreline with the best-known populations near Bemba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tanganyika is one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes — remarkably stable, mineral-rich water unchanged for millions of years — which explains why Tanganyikan cichlids are so unforgiving of chemistry swings in captivity.
In the wild, T. duboisi grazes on Aufwuchs (the dense algal biofilm coating sun-lit rocks) in a narrow band of rocky littoral habitat a few metres deep. Territories are small but fiercely defended, and colonies form loose dominance hierarchies. Understanding this ecology shapes every tank-setup decision.
What size tank do White Spotted Cichlids need?
The minimum is 200 litres (53 gal), and that is genuinely a minimum for a small colony. A larger footprint of 300–400 L (80–105 gal) is far more practical and significantly reduces aggression by giving subordinate fish room to retreat. Footprint matters more than height: a long, wide tank allows territory distribution across the rock-scape. A 120 cm (48 in) tank length is a workable starting point; 150 cm (60 in) is better.
Decorate heavily with rocks stacked to create caves, crevices and visual barriers — the aim is to break sightlines so the dominant male cannot patrol every corner simultaneously. Leave the middle water column open for swimming. Avoid dense planting; it does not suit the alkaline conditions and may be uprooted. A sandy or fine-gravel substrate with crushed coral mixed in helps buffer pH upward.
What water parameters do White Spotted Cichlids need?
Lake Tanganyika is hard, alkaline and pristine. Match it as closely as possible:
- Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH: 7.8–9.0
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
If your tap water is soft or acidic, use Tanganyika mineral salt mixes, crushed coral in the filter, or crushed coral substrate to achieve the target. A dedicated Tanganyikan buffer salt is the most reliable long-term approach. Nitrates must be kept low — aim for under 20 ppm — through a combination of quality filtration, light bioload and consistent water changes of 20–30% weekly. Tropheus are acutely sensitive to accumulated nitrates and declining water quality, which is a leading trigger for the feared Tropheus bloat condition.
What do White Spotted Cichlids eat?
T. duboisi are strict herbivores in the wild, grazing almost exclusively on Aufwuchs — the algal-bacterial mat on rocks. In captivity, feeding correctly is one of the most critical tasks.
The staple should be a high-quality spirulina-based flake or pellet (spirulina content 30%+ is ideal). Supplement occasionally with blanched spinach, nori (unseasoned dried seaweed) or cucumber. Feed small amounts two to three times daily rather than one large meal, which can stress the digestive system.
Avoid all protein-rich foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, beef heart, and similar items cause a fatal gut condition in Tropheus commonly called “bloat” (Malawi/Tanganyika bloat), characterised by rapid abdominal swelling. This is not recoverable in most cases. Meaty foods represent the single largest cause of death in captive Tropheus colonies, and the rule is absolute.
How do White Spotted Cichlids behave — and what can live with them?
T. duboisi are aggressive and colony-oriented. They are best kept as a single-species tank or carefully considered Tanganyika community. Within the colony, a dominance hierarchy forms and the dominant male will chase subordinates regularly — this is normal and is why a large group and a large tank are both mandatory. A minimum group of 8 individuals is required; fewer fish concentrates aggression on fewer targets and the weakest will be killed. Larger groups of 12–15 distribute pressure more evenly.
Males fight other males and are aggressive toward similarly shaped fish. Do not mix with other Tropheus species due to hybridisation and conflict risk. Suitable Tanganyikan companions — if any — are robust species occupying clearly different niches, such as some Julidochromis or Neolamprologus. Research each pairing carefully.
For a full compatibility guide, see White Spotted Cichlid tank mates.
How do you tell male from female White Spotted Cichlids apart?
This species presents a genuine challenge: males and females are near-identical externally. Body shape, colouration, and size do not reliably distinguish the sexes in adults. The most practical methods are:
- Egg-spot count: Females typically show a higher number of egg spots (vent spots) on the anal fin than males, though there is overlap and this requires close examination.
- Brooding behaviour: Females are mouthbrooders; a female holding eggs or fry will have a visibly extended jaw and will not eat.
- Venting: Experienced keepers can sex fish by gently examining the genital papilla, but this requires handling and practice.
When purchasing, buy a group from a known colony or from a retailer who can confirm the sex ratio. A ratio skewed toward females (e.g. 1 male to 4–6 females) typically reduces aggression in the tank.
How do White Spotted Cichlids breed?
T. duboisi are maternal mouthbrooders, and breeding is rated hard — both because sexing is difficult and because colony dynamics must be stable enough for spawning to occur without constant disruption.
Spawning typically takes place on flat rock surfaces. The male courts a receptive female with lateral displays; she picks up the fertilised eggs and holds them in her buccal cavity for approximately 28 days, during which she does not eat. Fry are released as fully-formed, free-swimming juveniles that are already quite capable. The mother may offer limited protection after release but the fry are largely independent.
For deliberate breeding, ensure the colony is stable, feed conditioning foods (extra spirulina, nori), and maintain pristine water. Move the brooding female to a separate tank for reliable fry survival; in a colony tank, released fry will mostly be eaten.
What diseases affect White Spotted Cichlids?
The dominant health concern is Tropheus bloat — an acute intestinal inflammation triggered by protein-rich foods, sudden water-quality crashes or chemistry swings. Prevention is entirely diet discipline and stable water conditions; once bloat presents, outcomes are poor.
Other concerns include ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) triggered by temperature instability or stress, and bacterial infections from fighting wounds. Quarantine all new arrivals for at least four weeks before introducing them to an established colony.
Health note: medication dosing and disease diagnosis are beyond the scope of a care profile. For sick fish, confirm symptoms against a reputable veterinary or fish-health source before medicating — and address water quality and diet as the first corrective step in almost every case.
How long do White Spotted Cichlids live?
A well-kept T. duboisi can live 8–12 years — a substantial commitment. That longevity reflects Lake Tanganyika’s stable environment and this species’ slow pace of life. To reach the upper end, the fish needs consistently correct chemistry, the right diet, low nitrates, and a colony large enough to distribute aggression. Get those fundamentals right and a colony of T. duboisi is one of the most striking long-term displays in the freshwater hobby.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my juvenile Tropheus duboisi look so different from adults I see online?
Juveniles wear a striking pattern of white polka dots on a jet-black body — the most spotted of all Tropheus species. As they mature, the spots fade and adults develop a yellow or blue mid-body band instead. Both forms are normal for this species; the change happens gradually from around six months onward.
What should I feed Tropheus duboisi?
Stick to a high-quality spirulina-based flake or pellet as the staple, and supplement with blanched spinach or nori. Avoid protein-rich foods (bloodworms, beef heart) — high protein causes a fatal intestinal condition called 'Tropheus bloat'. Meaty foods are the single biggest killer of this species in captivity.
What you need to keep a white spotted cichlid
The baseline is a heated, filtered 200 L+ tank: a reliable heater to hold 24–28 °C (75–82 °F), a gentle filter that won't batter a white spotted cichlid in the current, and a tight-fitting lid. Cycle the tank fully before adding any fish.
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