Tropheus mpulungu

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. It also known as Sunspot, Sunset cichlid. it can reach to a size of 15 cm (6 in) in adulthood.

The Tropheus mpulungu is a Herbivore. 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. Males can be very aggressive towards each other, and they are best kept with a one male to 6-7 females. 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.  

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, the male have spots on this fin, those spots known as dummy eggs, the female believes these are more eggs and goes to catch them this is the right moment for the male to release his milt. Female mpulungu lays up to 20 eggs. It is recommended to isolate brooding females for better breeding results.

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