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

• Native Region: Lake Malawi Tropheops-type mbuna in the aquarium trade.
• Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline and reef habitat with caves, ledges, grazing surfaces, and territorial display sites.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Up to about 6 inches.
• Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop the strongest olive-toned display and patterning, while females and juveniles are more subdued.
• Body Shape: Strong mbuna body with a pronounced head and active rock-dwelling profile.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible mbuna where rockwork creates multiple territories and broken sightlines.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger aquariums are better for groups.
• Water Parameters: 78-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rock piles, caves, grazing surfaces, open lanes between structures, and strong filtration.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• 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

• Compatible With: Other assertive Lake Malawi mbuna of similar size and temperament.
• Avoid: Peaceful community fish, tiny tank mates, delicate peacocks, and cramped tanks without visual barriers.