Bluefaced Duboisi Cichlid

Bluefaced Duboisi Cichlid

The Bluefaced Duboisi Cichlid goes through an outstanding color transformation as it grows. Bluefaced Duboisi Cichlid  fish change from its juvenile to adult coloring is really awesome, with the adult looking like a totally different fish.
Hobbyists are often inspired to obtain Bluefaced Duboisi Cichlid because of their striking appearance when young. As juveniles, they are so adorable, being all black with white to bluish polka dots that seem to run in vertical rows. But as adults they are also very attractive. The adults have a bluish head, an overall dark slate to almost black body and fins, and a bold contrasting yellow band around their middle, hence the name Blue-Faced Duboisi Cichlid. There are several variations of the mid section stripe depending on where the fish is collected. It can be narrow, broad, or wide and can be yellow or white in color. So they may also be referred to as a Narrow Band Duboisi, Wide Band Duboisi, or Broad Band Duboisi.
The Tropheus species became a big hit when first introduced in Germany in the mid 1970’s and then into the United States, and are still very popular today. The White Spotted Cichlid was one of the first Tropheus to be introduced into the United States. The personality of this fish is a definite plus, they are very active and have individual behaviors. Tropheus have a really interesting social structure that is built upon a colony of consistent tank mates. Having an extremely aggressive nature, they are best kept in a species specific tank in groups of at least 10.
The White Spotted Cichlid is said to be less aggressive than their cousins, but this can vary depending on the personalities of individual fish. Do not add a new fish to an already established colony as this will cause an upset and death. They may also be kept in a larger aquarium with other herbivorous rock dwelling African cichlids along with some Synodontis catfish species. Do not keep them with slow moving fish or carnivores. Dither fish can help distract the males aggression on females when breeding. The larger the tank and the more hiding places you have (except when breeding), will help with aggression.
The White Spotted Cichlid is a bit easier to care for than its cousins. This hearty cichlid can be easy to moderate to keep as long as attention is paid to its diet and mandatory water changes are done, and difficult if they are neglected. Provide a sandy substrate, strong lighting to encourage algae growth, and several rock piles along with rocks formed into caves. Truly a rewarding fish for the aquarist who is willing to provide the necessary care.