General information - Tropheus "Bulu point" has a black body with

two large red blotches on each side. Their aggressive conspecific

behavior, their temperament along with their tendency to catch "bloat"

and internal parasite makes it a real challenge, in my opinion these

cichlids should be kept only by experienced fish keepers. Like its

entire genus the bulu point must be kept in large groups in the tank

in order to disperse its natural aggressions.     

Common Name - Cherryspot, Kirschfleck Moorii, bulu point

Scientific Name - Tropheus sp. “black” “bulu point” 

Photo by: Yigal Serebro

Origin – Lake Tanganika, Africa  

Size – Up to 15 cm (6 in) 

First discovered – Boulenger, 1898 

Nutrition - Although it will often graze on tank algae it requires vegetal diet. In the wild, they feed on

algae scraped from the rocks along with crustaceans and aquatic insects. In captivity, the bulu point

requires high quality Spirulina based flake and pellet foods. It is also recommended to add some fresh

lettuce, spinach to their diet.  They should also be fed with low protein frozen foods such as daphnia

and brine shrimp, avoid bloodworms and other "heavy" frozen foods.    

Behavior – Aggressive 

Maintenance and care - The bulu point is an aggressive cichlid, it is recommended to keep at least 12

or more individuals in the tank to disperse aggression. They require a lot of territorial space with rocks

but also require plenty of room to swim. In nature, the bulu point inhabit 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 changes of 20% once a week and removing uneaten food will

help prevent disease. 

Water Parameters - Temperature: 24C-27C (75F-81F), pH 7.8-9.0, GH 12-20 

Breeding - Like its entire genus the bulu point is a mouthbrooder. Males are a bit larger then females

while females tend to be more rounded. The only way to be sure when sexing this species is by venting.

The dominant male performs a "dance" around the female, as she will accept its court they will circle

one another. After spawning, the male immediately fertilize the eggs, the female takes fertilized eggs

into her mouth. She will incubate them in her mouth for about a month, after release the fry are free

swimmers, large and ready to feed. They can be fed with brine shrimp, fry foods or with crushed food.