Blunthead Cichlid

The blunthead cichlid (or Tropheus moori) is a freshwater cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, where it inhabits shallow, rocky shorelines with strong water movement and abundant algae growth. Its range is highly localised, with many distinct colour forms restricted to specific stretches of rocky coastline within the lake.

They are named for their characteristic rounded, blunt forehead, compact body, and small mouth adapted for grazing algae from rocks. They are best known for their striking colouration, which varies by population and may include deep blues, blacks, yellows, reds, or bold vertical bands, often with high contrast and intensity.

Blunthead cichlids are relatively small but robust fish, typically reaching 10cm to 14cm long and weighing 40g to 80g as adults.