Chilumba Care Guide
Tropheops sp. 'chilumba'
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
2800
- Max Size
- 12.7 cm / 5.0"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (76–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7.8 – 8.6
- Min Tank Size
- 208L (55 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 6 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- Lake Malawi
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Moderate
Diet
Omnivorous with a preference for algae; requires a varied diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini can also be offered.
Community Compatibility
Can be kept in a Malawi cichlid community tank with other similarly sized and tempered species. Care should be taken to avoid mixing with overly aggressive cichlids that could dominate or stress the Tropheops sp. 'chilumba'. It's important to provide plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat and establish territories.
Good to Know
The Tropheops genus is known for its members' ability to scrape algae from rocks, and their specialized teeth are adapted for this purpose. The "Chilumba" variety, like other Mbuna cichlids, adds vibrant color and dynamic behavior to the aquarium, making them popular among cichlid enthusiasts.
Gender Differences
Males are typically more colorful with brighter and more vibrant markings compared to females. Males also might develop nuchal humps as they mature.
Stock Chilumba in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Chilumba fits your aquarium