Tropheus Bemba Red 3.5cm

Black Tropheus - Bemba Red

Tropheus cichlids are often regarded as a collector's species amongst African cichlid enthusiasts, there are multiple catalogued species of tropheus that range in colours and behaviours. These species can also range in rarity and because of these factors the multiple tropheus species all seemed to have developed a dedicated fanbase. One of the rare tropheus variants available in Australia is the black or bent red tropheus.

This particular species is particularly interesting as it has a jet-black body colour whereas other tropheus often have a dark blue which is not nearly as striking as the depth of black seen in the Bemba tropheus. Along with that they have a fiery orange band that starts from the end of their pectoral fin and finished at the beginning of their ventral fin. This orange colour often transitions into a deep red colour and carries all the way up to the dorsal fin. This contrast against the black makes this fish a true eye catcher in the aquarium and the Bemba red tropheus is a species that will truly carry and aquarium in a species-specific setting. 

Much like all the other tropheus species the Bemba reds will reach around 13 cm which makes them a medium sized fish. They can also be temperamental to other African cichlid species and are best kept as a colony setting which is what most tropheus cichlid enthusiasts do. This really highlights the colony behaviour these fish have as they establish small territories and change the aquarium setting to suit their needs. Black tropheus kaiser can be fairly difficult to distinguish between genders however there are a few basic features which can be looked at. Males tend to have a turned-up nose while females tend to have a rounded nose. Males will also grow at a faster rate and display their adult colours sooner. Adult males will also tend to have a deeper body, whereas females appear slimmer and streamline. 

Breeding these fish is possible in the aquarium where females will mouth brood the eggs and spit out small fry. Due to their temperament the ratio of males and females is quite important in the aquarium, it is usually best to keep a single male to at least 3+ females. This ensures that the aggression is diffused against the other fish, it is common practice to purchase a group of 10-12 fish and remove excess males until the suitable ratio is reached.

Tank Recommendations for your Black Tropheus 

The Bemba red tropheus is an active fish that routinely spends its time maintaining its territory and interacting with the colony. It also does need to be kept in a group where the ratio of males and females matters significantly. Because of these reasons the recommended aquarium size is at least 470 litres at around 4 feet minimum width. 

A sand substrate is best as they do routinely sift through the sand to find food. Because these can be a little bit more aggressive when compared to other African cichlids so it really recommended to have lots of caves, hiding places and visual breaks so fish can set up their own territories. These tropheus will look especially amazing in a darker aquarium setting, this will not only deepen their colours but really highlight the red band on the fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Tropheus in general are recommended to be kept in a species only tank and maintaining a ‘harem’. This means that there is one male Tropheus with multiple females, as the minimum tank size for these fish is a 120cm x 60cm x 60cm, it’s recommended to keep one - two males with six - seven females as this ensures that aggression is evenly diffused. However, they can be kept in a mixed African cichlids tank with larger growing Africans.

Usually Compatible

Other tropheus bemba and larger growing African cichlids such as frontosa, fuscodichromis and other haplochromide species.

Sometimes Compatible

Large adult peacock cichlids

Rarely Compatible

South American cichlids such as Oscars and Jaguar Cichlids, smaller African cichlids such as Mbunas and tetra species.

Feeding your Black Tropheus 

Tropheus bemba red are very easy fish to feed, they easily take to pellets, flakes and a vast range of prepared aquarium foods. However, their diet should contain good quality African cichlid pellets with high contents of spirulina or greens. Algae can also be promoted to grow in the aquarium as a natural food source for the fish as tropheus will readily graze on this. Primary feeding should occur once a day.