Tropheus moorii \"Mpulungu\" \"Orange Sunspot\"

One subadult fish at 1.25\".

These native Tanganyikan cichlids enjoy their waters in the mid to high 70s Fahrenheit with high hardness and a pH of 8-9.5 – we keep our tank-raised fish around pH 7.8, so they are a little flexible. Tropheus species have a reputation for aggression and bullheadedness; however, most aggressive and territorial tendencies are reserved for other Tropheus, especially between males. It is advised that, if a colony of these fish is desired, about 10-15 individuals with 2-3 male specimens are added to their new aquarium home at once. No additional specimens should be added at a later time as it can lead to a large upset in the established social pecking order and result in stress- and aggression-related deaths. Both T. moorii and T. duboisi occur in the rocky shallows and caves or groups of rocks should be provided for each fish, especially males, to establish a territory.

Tropheus are nearly teardrop-shaped with large, blunt heads and a slow taper to the caudal edge. They tend towards dark coloration with lighter markings below the front edge of the dorsal fin (with the exception of T. moorii “Chimba”). Males typically sport fleshy lips, often discolored from aggressive lip-locking, whilst females tend to have slightly less pronounced mouths. They are wholly vegetarian with a preference for filamentous algae such as green hair algae – the bane of many fish keepers! High protein diets are best avoided, especially those containing animal meats such as beefheart, as these can greatly increase the likelihood of bloat.

While there are some physical differences between the sexes of Tropheus, it is ill-advised for a beginner to attempt sexing via comparison of body shape; ideally, Tropheus species should be vented for a good chance at correct sexing. Both species are maternal mouthbrooders that form temporary monogamous pairings. Males will spawn with many different females, but only one male will fertilize a female’s eggs and, after courtship and spawning, the pairing is dissolved and the fish go their separate ways.

With over 40 geographical color morphs ranging from yellow to red to deep green, it is no surprise that Tropheus moorii color morphs are highly sought-after. The “Red Saddle” color form of T. moorii shows a narrow band just behind the ventral fins ranging from bright cherry red to a flame color with hints of yellow. The eyes of the Red Saddle are almost entirely brown. 

Policies:

Shipping: Livestock is shipped out via UPS Next Day Air Monday through Thursday for next day arrival, typically guaranteed by 10:30 am local time.

Handling time for livestock is one day for orders placed Sunday through Wednesday. Orders placed Thursday through Saturday will be shipped the following Monday.

Shipping will be delayed if overnight low temperatures are below 30°F at either departure or arrival destinations.  Shipments delayed due to inclement weather will be shipped as soon as weather improves.

We pack all livestock double bagged in insulated boxes, compressed oxygen and filter cubes.  Heat packs are provided as needed.

• UPS Next Day Air starts at $25
  
• UPS Ground available to most Washington and Oregon Customers for $15 next day
  Please contact us to inquire on and arrange this shipping method.
  
• Combined Shipping Rates available for multiple listings; please request this before sending payment.
  
• Pick-up available in Portland Oregon during regular store hours.
  
• Shipping overpayments will be refunded as credit on your next order.  Refunds will not be issued.

Please contact us for more detailed shipping costs and questions.

Order Specifics : Payment must be received within four days (96 hours) from completion of purchase. An unpaid item case will be opened four days after sale completion. Combining shipping orders is allowed for 3 days (72 hours) from sale completion.

Guarantee Policy: We guarantee live arrival on all same day and overnight shipments as long as they are delivered within the time frame guaranteed by the shipping carrier. If the package arrives later than the guaranteed arrival time, you may contact the carrier to claim a shipping refund.
DOA claims will be credited to you on the next order. No refunds will be given for DOA livestock. Shipping charges are not covered by the DOA Policy. Two clear photos of the DOA livestock in unopened shipping bag are required to receive credit.

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