Tropheops Olive
Tropheops sp. "Olive"
Tropheops Olive is a very rare Lake Malawi mbuna with the assertive rockwork behavior and grazing-oriented build expected from Tropheops-type cichlids. Its olive-toned look gives mbuna keepers a different color profile from the brighter blue, yellow, and orange forms.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi Tropheops-type mbuna in the aquarium trade.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline and reef habitat with caves, ledges, grazing surfaces, and territorial display sites.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop the strongest olive-toned display and patterning, while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Strong mbuna body with a pronounced head and active rock-dwelling profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible mbuna where rockwork creates multiple territories and broken sightlines.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger aquariums are better for groups.
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Water Parameters: 78-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rock piles, caves, grazing surfaces, open lanes between structures, 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 claim rocky territories and display to females. Females mouthbrood eggs and fry, and fry benefit from dense rock cover after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other assertive Lake Malawi mbuna of similar size and temperament.
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Avoid: Peaceful community fish, tiny tank mates, delicate peacocks, and cramped tanks without visual barriers.
