White spotted cichlid
A small rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika.
The white spotted cichlid is a small fish found only in the northern rocky zones of Lake Tanganyika. It feeds on algae and protects its young in its mouth. Aquarium demand and habitat changes threaten this vulnerable species with a limited population.
- Endemic to northern Lake Tanganyika rocky zones
- Grows to a maximum length of 12 cm
- Females hatch eggs in their mouths
- Listed as vulnerable due to small population
- Feeds primarily on algae growing on rocks
What it is
This cichlid is a small fish that grows to about 12 centimetres. It lives exclusively in Lake Tanganyika. The body is adapted for life among rocks and rubble. Adults are distinct from juveniles in appearance. It belongs to the group of fishes known for complex breeding behaviours. The specific name honours Jean Dubois, a limnologist who collected the original type specimen.
Where it lives
The fish is endemic to the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. It stays close to rocky bottoms, including slabs and rubble. Three separate groups live in Maswa, Karilani Island, and Kigoma. They swim at depths reaching 30 metres. This restricted range means they do not spread across the whole lake. The habitat is specific to clear water near stone structures.
How it lives
These cichlids graze on algae that grow on the rocky surfaces. They spend their time picking food from the substrate. The species is not a predator of other fish but focuses on plant matter. Their behaviour is tied closely to the physical structure of the lake bed. They remain in their specific subpopulations rather than migrating long distances.
Breeding and life cycle
Females practice mouth-brooding to protect their offspring. After laying eggs, she holds them in her mouth until they hatch. The young fish continue to use her mouth as a shelter for a period after hatching. This method increases survival rates in the wild. It is a common trait among many cichlid species in this region.
Fish and people
Aquarium enthusiasts seek this species due to its unique appearance. High demand in the trade puts pressure on wild stocks. Collectors value the distinct colour changes from youth to adulthood. It is listed among freshwater aquarium species. Care in captivity requires replicating their rocky natural environment and algae-based diet.
Status and threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as vulnerable. The total population is estimated at only a few thousand individuals. Its limited distribution makes it sensitive to local changes. Sedimentation in the lake harms the rocky habitats they need. Overfishing for the aquarium trade also threatens their numbers.
Questions people ask about White spotted cichlid
Where does the white spotted cichlid live?
It is found only in the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. It lives near rocky substrates like rubble and slabs at depths up to 30 metres.
What does this fish eat?
It feeds on algae that grow on the rocky surfaces of its habitat. It grazes directly from the stone substrate rather than hunting other animals.
Why is this species considered vulnerable?
It has a small population of only a few thousand individuals. Its restricted range and high demand in the aquarium trade contribute to its conservation status.
Good reading and sources
- Tropheus duboisi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Tropheus duboisi", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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