Albino Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West
Labeotropheus trewavasae
Albino Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West is an albino form of a Lake Malawi mbuna with active rock-dwelling behavior and a compact adult size. It belongs in a hard-water mbuna aquarium with plenty of rockwork and compatible tank mates.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 5-6 inches.
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Coloration: Albino red-top coloration with individual intensity varying by sex, maturity, and dominance.
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Body Shape: Sturdy mbuna body with the downturned mouth typical of Labeotropheus.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Thumbi West Island is in southern Lake Malawi on the Malawi-side southern or southeastern shore, close to Mitande Reef (Rocks), Otter Point, and Cape Maclear.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky habitat, preferably free of sediment, but also occurring in sediment-rich rocky areas. Found from surface waters down to depths of about 131 ft.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Thumbi West Island include Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Thumbi West Island', Chindongo bellicosus 'Thumbi West Island', Chindongo sp. 'elongatus thumbi' Thumbi West Island, and Copadichromis borleyi 'Thumbi West Island'.
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-structured 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 or fine substrate, extensive rockwork, caves, sight breaks, 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 rock territories. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry benefit from rock cover.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Compatible Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
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Avoid: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and highly aggressive mbuna in cramped tanks.
