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The Cherry Spot Tropheus (scientifically known as Tropheus moorii "Bulu Point") is a stunning cousin to the Red Bemba. While they share many of the same high-energy behaviours and dietary requirements, they have a distinct look characterised by large, bright cherry-red blotches on a sleek, dark black or charcoal body.
Core Aquarium Requirements
Like the Red Bemba, the Cherry Spot is a social but aggressive fish that needs a specific environment to thrive.
Tank Size: Minimum 285 liters (75 gallons) for a small colony, but 450+ liters (120+ gallons) is much better for managing their high activity levels.
Water Chemistry:They require very stable, alkaline water. Aim for a pH of 8.0–9.0 and high carbonate hardness (KH 10–20) to prevent pH crashes.
Social Structure: They must be kept in large groups of 12–15+ fish. Adding the entire group at once as juveniles is the best way to prevent the "king of the hill" dominance that leads to fatalities.
Setup: Use sand substrate and create separate rock piles rather than one continuous reef. This breaks up "line-of-sight," allowing submissive fish to hide from aggressive males.
Adult Size and Lifespan
Cherry Spots are slightly more robust than some other Tropheus variants.
Average Size: Typically reach 12–13 cm (approx. 5 inches).
Max Size: Large males in spacious tanks can occasionally reach 15 cm (6 inches).
Lifespan: With pristine water quality and the correct diet, they can live for 8–10 years, sometimes longer.
Water Temperature
The Cherry Spot Tropheus prefers slightly warmer, highly oxygenated water.
Ideal Range: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F).
Stability: Rapid temperature swings are a major stressor that can trigger "Bloat." A high-quality heater and a reliable thermometer are essential.
Oxygenation: Because they naturally live in surge zones, use strong filtration or powerheads to keep the water moving and well-aerated.
Diet and Nutrition
Their digestive tracts are long and designed for fiber, making them obligate herbivores.
Primary Diet: High-quality spirulina flakes or pellets (e.g., Northfin Veggie or Sera Flora).
Grazing: Bright lighting is actually helpful here, as it encourages natural algae growth on rocks for the fish to graze on throughout the day.
Warning: Never feed them high-protein treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp, as these are the leading causes of digestive failure in Tropheus.
