General information – Red rainbow kasanga has a protruding dorsal

fin but some fish may show a blue dorsal. Their aggressive conspecific

behavior, their temperament in the tank along with their tendency to

catch "bloat" or internal parasite makes the red rainbow a real

challenge, in my opinion these cichlids should be kept only by

experienced fish keepers.A school of 12 or more Red rainbow kasanga

can make an astonishing display. 

Common Name - Red Rainbow, kasanga  

Scientific Name - Tropheus moorii kasanga 

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin – Lake Tanganika, Africa 

Photo by: Reuven moskovich

First discovered – Boulenger, 1898 

Nutrition - The most crucial aspect of Tropheus care is feeding. In nature, the tropheus Red Rainbow

feeds on algae, crustaceans and on aquatic insects that thrive in these algae. In captivity it requires a

varied diet, quality veggie flakes should be supplemented with fresh and frozen green food. It can feed

with "light" frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia 1-2 times a week but feeding it on a daily

basis or with rich protein foods such as bloodworms can lead to Malawi bloat or to internal parasites. 

Feeding the Red Rainbow with nori algae can enhance its natural colors.  

Behavior – Aggressive

Maintenance and care - Red rainbow kasanga are aggressive cichlids, they are best kept in groups

of 12 or more in a species tank or in a large fish tank with some other herbivorous African cichlids.

Do not add a new fish to an already established colony as this will cause to death. Due their nature

they will refuse to welcome new Red rainbow to their territory. In nature, the Red rainbow found in

rocky environments, in its natural habitat the water is rich in oxygen and its fish tank should therefore

have vigorous water movements. Good filtration system is also essential to this magnificent cichlid.

Use strong lighting to increase the growth of algae. Hardy, bitter plants (Anubias, Microsorium and

Echinodorus) can be used if live plants are desired.   

Water Parameters - Temperature: 77F-82F (25C-28°C), pH 8-9.2, dH: 8-22 

Breeding - Tropheus Red rainbow is mouthbrooder. The female will take the unfertilized eggs in her

mouth; eggs will be fertilized after the male release his milt into her mouth. This process occurs

when the female follow the male very close to his anal fin. Fry can be feed with brine shrimps or

with crushed flake foods

Photo by: Reuven moskovich