Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Tropheus Duboisi
Tropheus duboisi Marlier, 1959
Also called White-spotted Cichlid, Duboisi, Duboisi Cichlid
From Endemic to the northern part of Lake Tanganyika, living patchily over rocky ground down to about 30 m, in populations such as Maswa, Karilani Island and Kigoma.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Deep-bodied algae-grazing cichlid
A compact, high-backed fish with a short rounded snout; its look changes completely as it grows up.32
Personality what they are like
Peaceful towards other species yet lively and competitive among its own, so it settles best in a sizeable group where squabbles are spread out.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active grazer that works over rock surfaces for algae throughout the day.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs pristine hard, alkaline water with frequent changes; introduce the whole group at once and do not mix regional forms.3
Home where they are happiest
At least 150 x 45 x 45 cm for a group of 15-20, with rockwork and open water. Temperature about 23-27 C, pH 8.0-9.5, hardness around 8-25 dGH.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A vegetable-based diet such as spirulina flakes, blanched spinach and nori, with only small amounts of live or frozen food and no red meats.31
Company who they like around
A group fish, ideally 15-20 together with several females for each male.31
The story where it all began
Georges Marlier described the species in 1959 and named it after Jean Dubois, a limnologist colleague who collected the type specimen. Its spotted youngsters have made it a prized fish among Tanganyika cichlid keepers.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Young fish are black with white or bluish spots, earning the name white-spotted cichlid.3
- 2
As adults the spots fade and a pale or yellow band appears across the body.3
- 3
Mothers carry only about 5-15 eggs in their mouths for more than four weeks.3
- 4
It lives deeper than many relatives, down to around 30 metres.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Endangered (assessed 3 March 2025)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Georges Marlier in 19591
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tropheus Duboisi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Tropheus Duboisi?
Feed your Tropheus Duboisi small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests this routine to keep them healthy and active. They are constant grazers, so small frequent meals work best.31 Furry Diary plan
What does a Tropheus Duboisi eat, and what should it never eat?
They thrive on a vegetable-based diet like spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, and nori. Only offer tiny amounts of live or frozen food, and never feed red meats or high-protein items.31
How much space does a Tropheus Duboisi need?
A group of 15-20 Tropheus Duboisi needs at least a 150 x 45 x 45 cm tank with plenty of rockwork and open swimming space. This gives them room to establish their social structure.31
What temperature, light or water does a Tropheus Duboisi need?
Keep the water temperature between 23-27°C, with a pH of 8.0-9.5 and hardness of 8-25 dGH. Furry Diary's plan includes a daily temperature check to ensure stability. Bright lighting is fine, but provide shaded areas.31 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Tropheus Duboisi's home?
Change about 25% of the water every week, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. This keeps the water pristine and your fish happy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Tropheus Duboisi live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful with other species but need a group of 15-20 of their own kind, with several females per male. Introduce the whole group at once to reduce aggression.31
How long does a Tropheus Duboisi live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows this species well.
Can I handle a Tropheus Duboisi?
It's best not to handle them; they are delicate fish and stress easily. If you need to move them, use a soft net and consult an exotic-pet vet for advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Tropheus duboisi fishbase.seused for size, distribution, depth, water, IUCN, breeding
- Wikipedia: Tropheus duboisi en.wikipedia.orgused for names, populations, etymology
- Seriously Fish: Tropheus duboisi seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, diet, colour change, group keeping
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.