General information - The muzi is an interesting cichlid from lake

Tanganika. It is somewhat rare in the hobby but due to its grace it

became more and more popular. Like its entire genus the muzi must

be kept in large groups in the tank in order to spread its natural

aggressions. The muzi is aggressive species and it is not

recommended to add new fish to a well established group as this

will cause to death. The muzi belongs to the moorii group. 

Common Name – Cherry Rainbow, Muzi  

Scientific Name - Tropheus moorii muzi 

Photo by: philip

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, Africa 

Size - Up to 15 cm (6 in) 

First discovered - Unknown 

Nutrition - Herbivorous, All Tropheus share the same diet; they are all herbivores, in the wild they scrape

algae and feed on small invertebrates found on rocks. They should be fed with veggie based foods. 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 muzi with nori algae can enhance its natural colors. 

Behavior – Aggressive   

Maintenance and care - This beautiful cichlid should be kept in groups in large aquariums. The

aquarium should be decorated with lot of rocks that creates a lot of hiding places but also requires

plenty of room to swim. The tank can be decorated with only few rocks that placed randomly in the

tank. To be accurate the tank can be decorated with heavy rock formation or with 3-4 rocks but poor

rock formation will lead to territorial fights. In nature, the muzi 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. 

Water Parameters - Temperature: 24C-27C, PH: 8-9, dGH: 8-20  

Breeding - Tropheus muzi is 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, the male have spots on this fin. Fry can be feed with

brine shrimps or with crushed flake foods.