The cichlids of the genus Tropheus are widespread around the gigantic Lake Tanganyika in numerous locality-variants. The sometimes very different looking animals testify to rising and sinking water levels over the millennia. As strict Aufwuchs eaters, Tropheus cichlids are not able to migrate over larger sandy areas and so the stone reefs of the lake quickly become geographically isolated, resulting in different colour variations.
The Tropheus “Phoenix” is however not a naturally occurring form, but a breeding product. The bright blue eye and the golden yellow body colour are reminiscent of the population found near Namansi, Tanzania, on the eastern shore of the lake. They are very attractive fish, which we can offer in limited numbers at the moment.
For our customers: the animals have code 586303 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
