Blue-eyed Tropheus (Cichlidae sp.) in a freshwater aquarium
Varies carePeacefulMid dwellerAfrica

Blue-eyed Tropheus

Cichlidae sp.

The Blue-eyed Tropheus (Cichlidae sp.) is a peaceful fish that's rewarding to keep. Give it a tank of at least 140 litres (37 US gallons), water held at 73-82°F, and a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size37 US gal
pH range6.5-7.5
Temperature73-82°F
Max size4.3 in (11.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8-14 years
SchoolingNo
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Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa

  • Africa

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Blue-eyed Tropheus Tank Setup

Give them at least 140 litres (37 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 73-82°F and a pH around 6.5-7.5.

What Do Blue-eyed Tropheus Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Blue-eyed Tropheus Tank Mates

The Blue-eyed Tropheus is peaceful, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Blue-eyed Tropheus Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies by line and setup. Match the care level to how often you actually test and change water.

Blue-eyed Tropheus - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Blue-eyed Tropheus need?

Blue-eyed Tropheus need a tank of at least 140 litres (37 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Blue-eyed Tropheus need?

Keep them at 73-82°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Blue-eyed Tropheus eat?

Blue-eyed Tropheus are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Blue-eyed Tropheus good for beginners?

It depends on the setup. Match Blue-eyed Tropheus to how often you actually test water and perform maintenance.

Common mistakes with Blue-eyed Tropheus

  • Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 140 litres (37 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Fish to avoid mixing with Blue-eyed Tropheus

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Betta (Male)Predator - Betta (Male) will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Serpae TetraFin nipper - will shred the fins of peaceful fish