Tropheops Red Cheek

Tropheops sp. "Red Cheek Mac"

Tropheops Red Cheek is a Lake Malawi mbuna with the active rockwork behavior and grazing-oriented body expected from the Red Cheek Mac group. It is a strong fit for structured mbuna aquariums with caves, hard water, and similar-size tank mates.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Lake Malawi Red Cheek Mac-type stock in the aquarium trade.
• Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline habitat with caves, ledges, and grazing surfaces.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 6-7 inches.
• Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the strongest red-cheek display while females and juveniles are more subdued.
• Body Shape: Robust mbuna body built for active movement through rockwork.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a rock-heavy aquarium.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
• Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, broken sightlines, 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 display around rocky territories and females mouthbrood eggs and fry.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
• Avoid: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and very similar males in cramped tanks.