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NEW YORK CITY's HOME GROWN AFRICAN CICHLID FISHERIES |
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Tropheus moorii "Moliro" |
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By far one of the most popular Tropheus around, the red species is epitomized by the Moliro race. Red Tropheus populations can be found along the southwestern portion of Lake Tanganyika from southern Congo to Zambia. There are nine major populations of red Tropheus varying in color shades and patterns, such as those found at Cape Kachese, with it's olive colored body or Cape Kipimbi, with it's short, red, horizontal stripe along the caudal peduncle, near the tail fin. Because all of these populations are immediately adjacent to each other and that there is even considerable variations between local colonies, finding a truly bright red fish from Moliro is especially challenging. In the past we have often acquired other fish supposedly from Moliro, only to be disappointed with individuals who display only a hint of red. Even wild caught fish is no guaranty. |
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| This magnificent male has red coloration throughout the head, body, dorsal and anal fin, while the tail fin is black. |
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A very playful race, these Moliros are constantly chasing and displaying to each other. |
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| Males and females are almost impossible to distinguish at first glance. Is that a blurry female? Or just a subdominant male. |
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The only evidence of eggs within this mouth brooding female's mouth, is the slight extension below her head. Her maternal instincts forces her to displays aggressively to the other fish facing her however, if push comes to shove, she will run. |
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| There is a considerable variation in the red patterns as shown here. The Moliro in the upper position has a brown body with red flanks, near the anal fin, whereas the center individual has a more even red tone throughout the entire body. |
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| FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING: |
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Our basic tank setups. |
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The ecology of the Rift Valley Lakes |
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About us |
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Homepage |
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Back to Tropheus moorii main page |
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