Cichlidae • Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa • Lifespan: 8-15 years
IntermediateTerritorialAll levels
Care LevelIntermediate
TemperamentTerritorial
Min Tank Size115-200 L (species-dependent)
Adult Size
2-14 in — varies by species
Temperature
24-28°C
pH Range
7.8-9.0
Water Hardness
Hard / Alkaline (10-20 dGH)
Diet
Carnivore/Omnivore
Social & Grouping
Colony or pair (species-dependent)
About this fish
Tropheus kachese is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid needing hard, alkaline water. This group ranges from tiny shell-dwellers to large Frontosa, so check the specific species' adult size and setup.
Care tips
Hard, alkaline water with the right decor — shells for shell-dwellers, rock for others.
Adult size varies enormously across this group — confirm the species before stocking.
Feed appropriately: many are micro-predators; avoid excess for the smaller species.