General information - Although Tropheus polli belongs to the tropheus

genus it has a category of it own, this species placed in a different

category due to several differences, it has only 4 rays on its anal fin. It

has two more unique characteristics; its eyes are bright turquoise (like

the Tropheus brichardi) and it has deeply forked caudal fin rather than

the fan shaped fin found on the other Tropheus species. Like its entire

genus the polli is endemic to Lake Tanganika, in nature, this beautiful

cichlid found in the southern coast of the lake near Bula Islands and

near Kigoma shore. Unfortunately Tropheus polli is listed on the IUCN

Red List with the status of 'VU', meaning 'Vulnerable'. Male's body has

gray/brown color while female and juveniles have light vertical stripes.  

Common Name - Poll's Tropheus, Polli 

Scientific Name - Tropheus polli 

Photo by: Mark Kravets

Origin - Lake Tanganika, Africa  

Size – Up to 15 cm (6 in) 

First discovered - G.S. Axelrod, 1977 

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 Tropheus

polli 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 Poll's Tropheus 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 Poll's Tropheus inhabits 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: 77F-82F (25C-28C), pH 7.8-9.2, dH: 8-22 

Breeding - Like its entire genus the Polli 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.

Photo by: Mark Kravets