Tropheops Red Cheek
Tropheops sp. "Red Cheek Mac"
Tropheops Red Cheek is a Lake Malawi mbuna with the active rockwork behavior and grazing-oriented body expected from the Red Cheek Mac group. It is a strong fit for structured mbuna aquariums with caves, hard water, and similar-size tank mates.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi Red Cheek Mac-type stock in the aquarium trade.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline habitat with caves, ledges, and grazing surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the strongest red-cheek display while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Robust mbuna body built for active movement through rockwork.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a rock-heavy aquarium.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, broken sightlines, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
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Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
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Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
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Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
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Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display around rocky territories and females mouthbrood eggs and fry.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
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Avoid: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and very similar males in cramped tanks.
