Description

• The Tropheus Red Chilanga is a beautiful and sought-after color variant of the Tropheus moorii complex, a group of cichlids endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. They are known for their vibrant red coloration and the challenging but rewarding care they require.

  Key Characteristics:

  • Appearance: The defining feature of the Tropheus Red Chilanga is its intense red coloration across the body. The exact shade can vary slightly depending on the specific population and individual fish, but it’s generally a bright and solid red. They retain the typical Tropheus body shape, which is somewhat elongated and robust.
  • Temperament: Like all Tropheus, the Red Chilanga is highly aggressive, especially towards conspecifics and other similarly shaped or colored fish. They are best kept in large groups to help diffuse aggression. Establishing territories is common, and aggression can escalate, leading to stress, injury, and even death if not managed properly.
  • Size: They typically reach a mature size of around 12-15 cm (5-6 inches).
  • Tank Requirements:
    • A large tank is essential, with a minimum of 200 liters (53 gallons) recommended for a small group, and larger for a more stable social structure. Length and width are more important than height.
    • The tank should be heavily rockscaped to provide numerous hiding places, territories, and visual barriers. This helps to break up lines of sight and reduce aggression.
    • A sandy substrate is preferred as they naturally sift through it while feeding.
    • Strong filtration is crucial to maintain the pristine water quality these fish require.
    • Good aeration is also important as they need well-oxygenated water.
  • Water Parameters: Maintaining stable and appropriate water parameters is critical for the health of Tropheus Red Chilanga:
    • Temperature: 24-28C (75-82F)
    • pH: 7.8-9.0 (alkaline)
    • Hardness: 10-20 dGH
    • Ammonia and Nitrite should be 0 ppm.
    • Nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm through regular and significant water changes (20-30% weekly or even more).
  • Diet: Tropheus Red Chilanga are primarily herbivores. Their diet in the aquarium should consist mainly of high-quality, algae-based flake or pellet food. Supplementation with blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini is beneficial. Avoid protein-rich foods as they can lead to digestive issues (Malawi bloat). Feed small amounts multiple times a day.
  • Compatibility: Due to their aggressive nature, tank mates should be chosen carefully. They are best kept in a species-only tank or with other robust, similarly sized Tanganyikan cichlids with different body shapes and colorations. Avoid docile or slow-moving fish. Keeping them in a large group (12+) can help to spread out aggression.

  Breeding:

  • Tropheus Red Chilanga are maternal mouthbrooders.
  • Breeding can be challenging in the aquarium due to their aggression and specific water quality needs.
  • A dominant male will court a receptive female.
  • The female will lay eggs in a pit or on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them.
  • The female immediately picks up the eggs in her mouth, where they will be incubated for approximately 3-4 weeks.
  • During this time, the female will typically not eat.
  • Once the fry are free-swimming, the female will release them.
  • The fry are relatively large compared to other cichlids and can be fed finely crushed spirulina flakes or baby brine shrimp.
  • It’s often recommended to keep a higher ratio of females to males in a breeding group to reduce stress on the females from constant male attention.

  In summary, the Tropheus Red Chilanga is a stunning fish that can be a rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists who can provide the specific environment and care they require. Their vibrant red color makes them a standout in a Tanganyikan cichlid tank, but their aggressive nature and sensitivity to water quality demand dedication and knowledge.