What size tank does a Blunthead Cichlid need?

A Blunthead Cichlid (Tropheus moorii) requires a minimum tank size of 300 litres. As they can grow up to 14 cm, a larger aquarium is always better to ensure they thrive.

What are the ideal water parameters for Blunthead Cichlid?

Keep your Blunthead Cichlid in water between 24–28°C with a pH of 8.0–9.0. They prefer a hardness of 10–25 dGH. Stable parameters are more important than hitting exact numbers.

What are good tank mates for Blunthead Cichlid?

Good companions include Other Tropheus (same species). Avoid keeping them with Most other fish. The Blunthead Cichlid is generally aggressive, so choose tank mates accordingly.

What should I feed my Blunthead Cichlid?

The Blunthead Cichlid is an herbivore. Herbivore; spirulina flakes, vegetable-based pellets, algae. Feed small amounts twice daily and include variety for optimal health and colour.

How long does a Blunthead Cichlid live?

With proper care, a Blunthead Cichlid can live up to 10 years in captivity. Good water quality, a balanced diet, and appropriate tank mates all contribute to a long, healthy life.

Tropheus moorii

orange fire craker — Blunthead Cichlid (Tropheus moorii)

Name: orange fire craker — Blunthead Cichlid (Tropheus moorii)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 1135
Price: 25.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Advanced Care

Aggressive

£25.99In Stock

A highly specialised Lake Tanganyika cichlid with many colour morphs. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

AggressiveCichlidaeDifficult CareFishLake Tanganyika CichlidsLive Fishsite:tropical-fish-coTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Tropheus moorii

Adult Size

14 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Difficult

Temperament

Aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

8–9

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

300L

Diet

Herbivore; spirulina flakes, vegetable-based pellets, algae

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

8–9

8Ideal Range9

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal Range25 dGH

The Blunthead Cichlid (Tropheus moorii) is a highly specialised lake tanganyika cichlid with many colour morphs. Originating from Africa (Lake Tanganyika), this aggressive species is rated as difficult care level and can live up to 10 years with proper husbandry.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Tropheus moorii
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Care Level	difficult
Temperament	aggressive
Adult Size	14 cm
Minimum Tank Size	300 litres
Temperature	24–28°C
pH Range	8.0–9.0
Water Hardness	10–25 dGH
Diet	Herbivore; spirulina flakes, vegetable-based pellets, algae
Lifespan	10 years
Tank Region	middle
Group Size	12+ (large colony required)

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Blunthead Cichlid hails from Africa (Lake Tanganyika). Tropheus moorii must be kept in large colonies of 12+ to diffuse aggression. They are herbivores prone to bloat if fed protein-rich foods. Many colour variants exist.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 300 litres for your Blunthead Cichlid. Adults reach approximately 14 cm, so plan accordingly. Maintain water temperature between 24–28°C with a pH of 8.0–9.0 and hardness of 10–25 dGH. This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium. Recommended group size: 12+ (large colony required).

Feeding Guide

The Blunthead Cichlid is a herbivore. Herbivore; spirulina flakes, vegetable-based pellets, algae. Feed small portions twice daily for optimal health and colouration.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions for the Blunthead Cichlid include Other Tropheus (same species). Avoid housing with Most other fish. You might also consider species such as Lwanda Peacock Cichlid, Albino Golden Mbuna Cichlid, Kitumba Jumbo Sardine Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Blunthead Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

Read the full delivery & guarantee story