Tropheus moorii

Tropheus moorii

Tropheus moorii (Tropheus moorii) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 66 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 7.5–9. Details below match the app.

Tropheus moorii (Tropheus moorii) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelAdvanced
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size66 US gal min
pH range7.5–9
Temperature75–82°F
Max size4.7 in (12.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–12 years
SchoolingYes · 12+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / South America (varies)

  • Africa
  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Tropheus moorii Tank Setup

Plan for at least 66 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–82°F and pH 7.5–9 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Tropheus mooriis Eat?

We record diet as Herbivore/Omnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Tropheus moorii Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Keep in groups of 12+ to distribute aggression. Very prone to Malawi bloat; strict spirulina-based diet required. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Tropheus mooriis Good for Beginners?

Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.

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

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.