Lake Tanganyika Species • Tropheus Moorii Kaiser Ikola - What are they like?

[zebadee73]

Hi,

I am thinking of ordering Tropheus Moorii Kaiser Ikola as I really like their colouring. Before I do so I have a few questions.

1) How agressive are they relative to the 'Blacks'
2) In a group of 15 fish what is the optimal M/F ratio in your experiences
3) Are they worth the cash relative to other more readily available tropheus?
4) What are their general parenting skills like?

Oh.. to answer a few questions I may be asked, they'll be kept in a 4 foot 220L species only tank.

Thanks,

[24Tropheus]

Not sure you will get a positive answer.
I know no one breeding these guys in a four foot or as little as 220L.

[zebadee73]

24, I know you have a view that 220L is too small to house Tropheus generally. That said what would you recommend as being the minimum if my intention was to breed the fish?

I'm loathe to spend the cash on a set up that is ripe for disaster but at the same token I would like to keep Tropheus.

[24Tropheus]

For this type my guess (and its just a guess my group failed in quite a short while in a 60"x18"x18") would be 20 fish in a 60"x20"x anything over 15") But I have not had long term success with these guys.
Why not spring for a 72"x24"x24" X 7 filtration and 30 fish and ensure success?

[zebadee73]

Sorry to hear that re the breeding group. I imagine it was an expensive lesson to learn in the end, an expense I'm trying to avoid if possible.

Looks like the idea of breeding tropheus is dying a death before it started. But better to know in advance I guess.

The tank size is an issue at the moment at the moment as I physically can not fit a larger tank in the kitchen. There are plans afoot for a larger tank but that will take political manoeuvering, sweet talking and bribing 'her indoors' before it happens in the new house. So I'm stuck with the 220 four foot for the moment.

[24Tropheus]

Nothing wrong with breeding/keeping Tropheus in a four foot 220L mate, just you may need to select a less spikey type.

[zebadee73]

Excellent, I though that generally Tropheus were all a bu*ger to keep and as such were all generally as 'spikey'. What would you reccomend in the place of Ikola?

[24Tropheus]

Dubs or slightly pushing it a bit more Sp "Red".
Know dubs can work in this size tank.
Heard "Reds" can.

[flashg]

You mean Tropheus sp. "Ikola" kaisers right... I don't think they are a Moorii!!! They are one of my favorite tropheus though.

[zebadee73]

Hi Flashg,

Re your question. One of the main European importers of wild fish from Tanganyika refers to the fish on their website and order lists as being Tropheus Moorii Kaiser Ikola? I'm not sure if they are absolutely correct but please let me know if they are to avoid further confusion.

[flashg]

It is mass confusion all the time my friend... I am going by Ad Konings identification method, but I think some older hobbies/importers think all tropheus are moorii for some reason... Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[zebadee73]

Thanks, by the way what's your view on my proposal to try a breeding group of 10 kaiser in a 4 foot 60G tank?

Is there any point trying to keep tropheus at all with the tank I have?

Tks,

[flashg]

Thanks, by the way what's your view on my proposal to try a breeding group of 10 kaiser in a 4 foot 60G tank?

Is there any point trying to keep tropheus at all with the tank I have?

Tks,

I have done it before in a 55g... I had six kaisers and 11 juvie dubosi in that tank. My only problem was that I was dumb enough to sell them for Christmas money for my kids... Kaiser are cool and you should be fine man! (I had aggression issues until I put the dubs in as dither fish)

[24Tropheus]

If you are going to try it with Ikola then I can give you a contact for good WC in Essex, a lot closer than your ?Holland option and good one, I think.

[zebadee73]

Better sell the fish for your kids than your kids for the fish

Thanks for the info, really apreciate it from everyone and apologies if some of them are at first glance a bit dumb but better to be clear and opined especially given the cost and livlihood of the fish in question.

Thanks again.