Tropheus Moorii - Kazumba Gold

Tropheus Moori - Kazumba Gold

Tropheus cichlids are often regarded as a collectors 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 Kazumba Gold.

This particular species is particularly interesting as it has a pastel yellow colour which spans from the mouth to just the start of the tail. This yellow gets brighter and brighter as the fish ages, to contrast this the red of the body has an ashy grey undertone that rims the scales and tends to be a lot more prevalent in the front half of the fish. The dorsal, pelvic and ventral fins all have a rusty orange hue whereas the tail carries the same black, overall these fish do have a much more muted tone compared to other african cichlids but they are still truly stunning in their own regard.

Much like all the other Tropheus species the Kazumba Golds 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 in 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. Kazumba Gold Tropheus Kazumba Gold can be fairly difficult to distinguish between genders however there are a few basic features that 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 streamlined.

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 Tropheus Moorii - Kazumba Gold
The Kazumba Gold 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 500 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 yellows on the fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Tropheus, in general, are recommended to be kept in a species-only tank and maintained in a ‘harem’. This means that there is one male Tropheus with multiple females, as the minimum tank size for these fish is 120cm x 60cm x 60cm, it’s recommended to keep one - to two males with six - to 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 Kazumba Gold 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 the Oscars and Jaguar Cichlids, and smaller African cichlids such as Mbunas, and tetra species.

Feeding your Tropheus Moorii - Kazumba Gold
Tropheus Kazumba Gold 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.