Our Guide To Keeping Poor Man's Tropheus Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hypsophrys nematopus
   • Common name: Poor Man's Tropheus Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
   • Adult length: 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Poor Man's Tropheus Cichlids require a tank with plenty of rocks arranged to form caves and hiding spots, mimicking their natural habitat in Lake Tanganyika.
   • The tank should have a sandy substrate to allow for natural digging behavior.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain alkaline water conditions with a pH of 7.8 to 8.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use a high-quality filtration system to maintain water quality, as Poor Man's Tropheus Cichlids are sensitive to poor water conditions.
   • Provide moderate water flow in the tank.

5. Diet:

   • Feed them a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional treats of live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

6. Tank mates:

   • Poor Man's Tropheus Cichlids are territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics, so they are best kept in a species-only tank or with other robust cichlid species from Lake Tanganyika.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • They exhibit aggressive behavior, especially during breeding, and should not be kept with timid or smaller tank mates.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to reduce aggression within the tank.