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The Red Bemba Tropheus (also known as the Tropheus moorii "Bemba") is a striking African cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its jet-black body and vibrant orange-red vertical band.
These fish are highly rewarding but require specialised care, primarily due to their strict dietary needs and territorial social structure.
Core Aquarium Requirements
To keep Red Bemba healthy and reduce aggression, you should aim for a setup that mimics the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika.
Tank Size: A minimum of 200 liters (55 gallons) is required for a small colony, but 400+ liters (100+ gallons) is ideal for long-term success.
Water Chemistry: They need hard, alkaline water with a pH of 8.0–9.0 and a temperature between 24–27°C.
Social Grouping: They must be kept in groups of at least 10–15 individuals. Keeping them in large colonies helps disperse aggression so that no single fish is bullied to death.
Aquascaping:Use sand substrate and plenty of rocks to create caves and broken lines of sight. Avoid sharp rocks like lava rock, which can scrape their mouths while they graze.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet is the most critical factor in preventing "Bloat," a common and often fatal digestive issue in Tropheus.
Herbivore Focus: They are obligate herbivores. Their primary diet should be spirulina-based flakes or pellets.
Fresh Foods: You can supplement their diet with blanched spinach, zucchini, or shelled peas.
Foods to Avoid: Strictly avoid high-protein or "meaty" foods (like bloodworms or beef heart), as these can trigger digestive blockages.
Compatibility & Behaviour
Aggression:They are highly territorial. Males will fight for dominance, and a specific ratio of one male to several females is recommended to keep the colony stable.
Tank Mates: The safest bet is a species-only tank. If you want variety, choose other Tanganyikan herbivores like Eretmodus (Goby Cichlids) or Synodontis catfish. Avoid mixing with predatory or fast-moving carnivores.
