Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem (Otopharynx lithobathes) — XL

Overview of Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem

The malawi cichlid, scientifically known as Otopharynx lithobathes, a striking malawi cichlid with a vivid red top and active personality, ideal for a well-maintained hardwater african cichlid aquarium..

Native to Lake Malawi, East Africa, this moderate-care species belongs to the Cichlidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

This beautiful cichlid displays vibrant coloration that intensifies with age and during breeding. Males typically show more intense colors than females, with finnage that becomes more elaborate as they mature.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Otopharynx lithobathes inhabits lake malawi, east africa. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

The African Rift Lakes are renowned for their hard, alkaline water with exceptional clarity and stability. Rocky substrates and territorial breeding behaviors have shaped the evolution of these remarkable cichlids.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 300 litres is essential for housing Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

Create a rocky aquascape with numerous caves and territories. Use coral sand or crushed coral substrate to help maintain alkaline pH. Ensure strong filtration to handle the bioload of active cichlids.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem:

• Temperature: 23-27C
• pH Range: 7.5-8.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

African Rift Lake cichlids require hard, alkaline water (GH 10-20°, KH 8-15°). Use Rift Lake mineral salts or crushed coral to maintain stable buffering capacity. Never use driftwood or peat, which lower pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis, krill, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Avoid high-fat foods and excessive...

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem is classified as semi-aggressive, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

Expect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.

Requires hard, alkaline water with excellent filtration and regular water changes. Best kept in a species-appropriate Malawi cichlid setup with plenty of rockwork and territories; avoid mixing with...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Other similarly sized Malawi haps/peacocks in a suitably large tank
• Aulonocara species
• Copadichromis species
• Placidochromis species
• Synodontis catfish

Avoid housing with:

• Small community fish
• Shrimp and other small invertebrates
• Very aggressive large cichlids
• Slow-moving or long-finned fish
• Overly timid species

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Maternal mouthbrooder typical of Lake Malawi cichlids. Provide a harem setup or a compatible group with rockwork and open swimming space; females incubate eggs in the mouth and can be stripped only...

As a mouthbrooding species, females carry eggs in the mouth for 3-4 weeks. During this period, they do not feed and should not be disturbed. Provide a stress-free environment with stable water conditions.

Why Buy Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your malawi cichlid purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Red-Top Trematocranus, Trem specimens are among the finest malawi cichlid available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.