General information – The Tropheus mpulungu is one of the most

astonishing members of the tropheus group. It has shiny colors with

pearly dots and mischievous behavior which makes it very sought after

species. In the wild, the mpulungu found in rocky areas at Mpulungu

(Lake Tanganyika) scraping algae from the rocks.   

Common Name - Sunspot, Sunset, Mpulungu 

Scientific Name - Tropheus Mpulungu 

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Photo by:Balulu Shlomi

First discovered - Unknown 

Nutrition - Herbivorous, in nature the tropheus Mpulungu scrape algae from rocks. 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. 

Behavior – Aggressive, Males can be very aggressive towards each other, and they are best kept

with a one male to 6-7 females.  

Maintenance and care - The Tropheus mpulungu should be kept in a group of at least 12 in a 90

gallon (350 liter) tank or bigger. The tank should be decorated with rock formation and plenty of room

to swim. Like the entire Tropheus group the mpulungu will eat plants so only hard and bitter plants

such as anubias can be used. As substrate it is recommended to use fine gravel or fine sand. The

mpulungu should not be kept with timid or slow-moving fish of any type, catfish and bottom feeders will

be threatened by this bully fish. They especially do not do well with fish such as calvus, lelupi and

other carnivores from the lake because of their diet.    

Water Parameters – Temperature: 24C-27C (75F-81F), PH: 7.8-9.0, GH 12-20, KH 14-20 

Breeding - Mpulungu are mouthbrooders. 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. Female mpulungu lays up to 20 eggs.

Fry can be feed with brine shrimps or with crushed flake foods