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Common Name: Tropheus Polli "Bulu Point", Forked-Tailed Tropheus
Scientific Name: Tropheus Polli "Bulu Point"
| Temperature |
pH Range |
Hardness (dH) |
Max. Size |
Min. Tank Size |
Swim Area |
| 78F - 80F | 8.0 - 9.0 | 8-20 dH | 6 inches | 75 gallons | All Areas |
Description:
The currently known distribution in Tanzania extends from the northern side of the Mahale Mountains, where the Bulu Islands are situated, past Luagala Point and into the northern part of the range of Tropheus sp. Ikola.
In general, most tropheus live close to the shore in relatively shallow waters. The sandy substrate is strewn with rocks and pebbles. These are fast moving waters subject to surge, where the shoreline is continuously washed with wind driven waves. The shallow waters get good sunlight penetration and allows for the growth of algae which the tropheus graze on. It's not really the algae that keeps them alive but rather the critters found living in it, most people call this aufwuchs. Some tropheus keepers will use strong lighting to recreate this; however, without the microorganisms, insect nymphs and larvae, crustaceans, mites, snails and zooplankton we fall short in this regard. But it's nice to see them graze and act natural. Tropheus being able to eat the green algae is beneficial because it helps them pass food and avoid intestinal blockage but we still have to provide additional food, i.e. flakes and/or pellets. Tropheus live in a condition that has constant waves hitting against rocks and them trying to eat aufwuchs off these rocks. This would create wide general flow, not a narrow strong flow. On some days the winds are not as strong and in turn the water movement is not as great.
Origin:In general, most tropheus live close to the shore in relatively shallow waters. The sandy substrate is strewn with rocks and pebbles. These are fast moving waters subject to surge, where the shoreline is continuously washed with wind driven waves. The shallow waters get good sunlight penetration and allows for the growth of algae which the tropheus graze on. It's not really the algae that keeps them alive but rather the critters found living in it, most people call this aufwuchs. Some tropheus keepers will use strong lighting to recreate this; however, without the microorganisms, insect nymphs and larvae, crustaceans, mites, snails and zooplankton we fall short in this regard. But it's nice to see them graze and act natural. Tropheus being able to eat the green algae is beneficial because it helps them pass food and avoid intestinal blockage but we still have to provide additional food, i.e. flakes and/or pellets. Tropheus live in a condition that has constant waves hitting against rocks and them trying to eat aufwuchs off these rocks. This would create wide general flow, not a narrow strong flow. On some days the winds are not as strong and in turn the water movement is not as great.
Bulu Point ,Tanzania, Africa
Life Span:10 Years or more
Diet:Herbivore
Additional Diet Information:In the wild Tropheus are seen grazing on aufwuchs. Aufwuchs is loosely defined as the biocover that grows on rocks. Its foundation is tough string strands of algae that are attached to the rocks. These strands form the building blocks of the biocover. Attached to the strands of algae are the items called loose aufwuchs. The loose aufwuchs contains diatomous unicellular algae, but also microorganisms, insect nymphs and larvae, crustaceans, mites, snails and zooplankton.- by Brett Harrington
Gender Difference:Monomorphic
Venting is the only true way to sex.
Breeding:Maternal Mouthbrooder
The male polli will engage the female and bring her to his rock pile. They start to dance and form a T shape. This can last from minutes to days.
Temperament/Social Behavior:- Aggressive
- Active
- Schooling fish/Usually found in groups
- Territorial
- Aggressive when spawning
Bloat
Availability:Occasionally Available