Opal Trewavasae
Labeotropheus trewavasae
Opal Trewavasae is a color variant of Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West with the sturdy grazing body and active rockwork behavior that make Labeotropheus classic mbuna. It is a good fit for keepers who want a colorful, cave-oriented Malawi mbuna.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Color variant of Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West from Lake Malawi stock.
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Natural Habitat: Cave-dwelling rocky habitat with grazing surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop the strongest opal/red-top display, while females and juveniles are more subdued or variably patterned.
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Body Shape: Deep, sturdy Labeotropheus mbuna body with a specialized grazing profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best in a rock-heavy mbuna community with broken sightlines and compatible fish of similar size.
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, 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. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
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Avoid: Delicate community fish, very small tank mates, and very similar males in cramped tanks.
