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Tropheus Moorii Ilangi (Tropheus sp. Ilangi)

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi (Tropheus sp. Ilangi) – King Of The Tropheus

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi (Tropheus sp. Ilangi) are a shoaling “colony” species found in a small bay a few kilometres from the Eastern entrance to Nkamba Bay in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika.  The Ilangi, as it is commonly referred to, is found in rocky environments in the oxygen rich waters of the lake.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi.

Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts the world over regard the tropheus Ilangi as one of the most beautiful and sought after of the tropheus species.

Its shining yellow, orange and red colors make the Ilangi, as it is commonly referred to, one of the most sought after tropheus species in the hobby.

A variant known as the Orange Ilangi is found in Nkamba Bay, but it lacks the distinct contrasts between body and fin colors that Tropheus Moorii Ilangi possess.

Males Tropheus Moorii Ilangi tend to have a more turned up nose compared to the females who have a rounded nose and a greater slope. The males usually grow at a much faster rate than the females and display their adult colors sooner. The colors in the male Ilangi are bolder than in females, mainly because of their constant courting of the females. Adult males also have a deeper body, compared to the females more slim and streamlined physique. However, the best and surest way to sex the Tropheus species is by venting.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi are best kept in groups of at least ten to fifteen fish in a large tank decorated with rocks to create lots of area specific hiding places.   The aquarium should allow plenty of swimming room for the fish, have at least one powerhead to provide vigorous water movement, a good filtration system to oxygenate the water, and strong lighting to promote the growth of algae in the tank.

Ilangi like a dark sandy substrate with only 3 or 4 rocks on the bottom or heavily decorated with rock piles in areas separated by the sandy bottom. Proper rock placement is important to discourage territorial fighting. Some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts add hardy plants such as Echinodorus, Anubias, or Microsorium to the tank for aesthetics.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi School

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi School

*Tropheus Moorii Ilangi cichlids should really be kept with other Tropheus however, they are compatible with Petrochromis, Lamprologus, Tanganicodus, Julidochromis, Spathodus, Eretmodus, and Mbuna Malawi Cichlids.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi is mouthbrooder that is difficult to breed in an aquarium environment.   The biggest problem is getting the females into spawning condition.  The males are active, persistent, and quite aggressive in their courting attempts to coax the females into spawning. And, they never cease to tire of their attempts. For this reason you should never keep Ilangi in a 1:1 ratio in any size tank. The best way to keep this species is in colonies of ten or more individuals or as a second choice; one male to 3 or more females.

When the male succeeds in his attempts to coax a female into spawning, the female takes the unfertilized eggs into her mouth where they are fertilized by the milt of the male. This happens when she closely follows the male at his anal fin until he releases his milt into the females mouth. After fertilization is completed, the female carries the eggs in her mouth until they hatch out. During this period she will not feed. The fry can be fed crushed Spirulina flakes or newly hatched baby brine shrimp until they are capable of taking care of themselves.

In their natural environment, tropheus Ilangi feed on algae, crustaceans, and small aquatic insects that thrive in the algae rich waters of the bay. In an aquarium environment the most critical aspect of Ilangi care is feeding.   They require a diet of Spirulina based flakes, algae flakes, nori algae, fresh Romaine lettuce, spinach, and an occasional “treat” of live or frozen daphnia or brine shrimp. Feeding Tropheus Ilangi protein rich foods like bloodworms, animal hearts, etc. on a regular basis will lead to “Malawi bloat” or internal parasites which can lead to death.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi are always difficult to obtain from tropical fish keeping shops and because of their rarity and demand are quite pricey. The king of the Tropheus are usually available from importers or specialty breeders at a size of 1 1/2″ to 4″.

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi (Tropheus sp. Ilangi) - King Of The Tropheus

Tropheus Moorii Ilangi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderately Difficult
Temperament: Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
Water Conditions: 77F-82F, pH 8-9.2, dH: 8-22
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Yellow, Orange, Red
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: *
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Family: Cichlidae
Lifespan: 5+ years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted in African Cichlids, Cichlids, Featured Articles, Freshwater Fish, Lake Tanganyika CichlidsComments (2)


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