Tropheus + Frontosa?

[frontosaken]

I have a few frontosa's right now and was wondering if I can put Tropheus with them?

Shouldn't it be ok if they're both from Lake Tanganyika?

[moganman]

Depends on the size of the frontosa and the size of the Tropheus. If the fronts are large and the Tropheus small the fronts will make a snack out of them. Frontosa eat smaller fish like cyps in the wild.

[mnemenoi]

I think many avoid this combination due to dietary focus. Frontosa are primarily carnivorous in the wild, needing a largely protein diet to increase their bulk. Tropheus are primarily algae grazers, eating a much smaller protein volume and can have issues when given a high protein diet in captivity. They have adapted a longer intestinal tract to extract everything they can from a grazing diet, when fed high protein matter there has been instances in captivity of an affliction referred to as Malawi Bloat, or simply Bloat. It appears somewhat related to a combination of water parameters, diet, and temperature. Its exact causation is not known and could be a combination of many differing afflictions that manifest similar symptoms. It does affect tropheus far more then other carnivorous fish in captivity.

[Andrew_B]

Eh just feed nls and that avoids that issue completely. Just have to make sure the frontosa is getting food since tropheus Are a much quicker

[crazy42bmx]

Been a Tanganyika keeper now for 8+ years. Personally id avoid it. But thats just me. Yea they are from the same lake. But also the lake is wild and these fish are from very different areas. Frontosas like a meaty diet, yea you could just feed nls. But how would u like to eat chicken evey single day every meal. Variety is nice and its good to get ur fiah to eat different food iteams esp those like it.

[frontosaken]

Thanks for the tip! and hey! I live near Greenwood Clubhouse! Could I see your tank sometime?

[mnemenoi]

LOL, need to update your location. Even if its a general area, it helps in knowing who might be around to help. Glad to see another Tang keeper up on the North Side!

[frontosaken]

Alright thanks! Just did that..