Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West
Labeotropheus trewavasae
Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West is a Lake Malawi mbuna with active rock-dwelling behavior and a specialized grazing body shape. It is best kept in a hard-water mbuna aquarium with extensive rockwork and compatible tank mates.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males show the strongest red-top display color, while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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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 dense rock cover.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other 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.
