White-spotted cichlid

Tropheus duboisi is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, one of several rock-dwelling Tropheus species prized by hobbyists. Juveniles are jet black covered in small bright white spots, while adults lose the spots and develop a dark body crossed by a broad yellow to white vertical band. It is a specialized algae grazer that scrapes biofilm from rocky surfaces in the wild, and it has a long intestine adapted to a vegetable diet. This species is best kept in a larger group in a spacious tank with plenty of rockwork, as it is aggressive and social pressure within a colony helps distribute aggression. Diet must be high in vegetable matter and low in protein to avoid bloat, a common ailment. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. Because of its dietary sensitivity and temperament, it suits intermediate keepers.