Tropheus sp. 'Kipili'
Remarks: Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' are an uncommon, not yet officially described species of Tropheus found between Korongwe Bay and Sangamwisha Bay along the Tanzanian shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. They are often incorrectly marketed under the name of Tropheus brichardi ‘Kipili,’ however they have not been officially recognized to be a locality of Tropheus brichardi. In fact, Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' differ so much from the species that most believe it to be a unique species on its own.
An interesting aspect of Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' is that juvenile fish often display more color than the adults. When young, they are a vibrant, sunshine yellow with black or dark brown vertical bars giving them a bumblebee-like pattern. As these fish mature, the vertical bars get thicker and thicker until the fish appears to be predominantly black or dark brown with yellow stripes. This change in Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' as they mature is fascinating to watch and makes raising a group of juveniles a very exciting venture.
Tropheus are obligate herbivores, and even small amounts of protein can induce bloating conditions. They form social hierarchies and should be kept in large groups, about 10 or more, to spread out any aggression. Tropheus tend to be more peaceful toward non-conspecific species so they can do well in a large Tanganyikan community tank.
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Description
Remarks: Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' are an uncommon, not yet officially described species of Tropheus found between Korongwe Bay and Sangamwisha Bay along the Tanzanian shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. They are often incorrectly marketed under the name of Tropheus brichardi ‘Kipili,’ however they have not been officially recognized to be a locality of Tropheus brichardi. In fact, Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' differ so much from the species that most believe it to be a unique species on its own.
An interesting aspect of Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' is that juvenile fish often display more color than the adults. When young, they are a vibrant, sunshine yellow with black or dark brown vertical bars giving them a bumblebee-like pattern. As these fish mature, the vertical bars get thicker and thicker until the fish appears to be predominantly black or dark brown with yellow stripes. This change in Tropheus sp. 'Kipili' as they mature is fascinating to watch and makes raising a group of juveniles a very exciting venture.
Tropheus are obligate herbivores, and even small amounts of protein can induce bloating conditions. They form social hierarchies and should be kept in large groups, about 10 or more, to spread out any aggression. Tropheus tend to be more peaceful toward non-conspecific species so they can do well in a large Tanganyikan community tank.
