Opal Trewavasae Labeotropheus trewavasae Opal Trewavasae is a color variant of Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West with the sturdy grazing body and active rockwork behavior that make Labeotropheus classic mbuna. It is a good fit for keepers who want a colorful, cave-oriented Malawi mbuna. Origin and Habitat Native Region: Color variant of Red Top Trewavasae Thumbi West from Lake Malawi stock. Natural Habitat: Cave-dwelling rocky habitat with grazing surfaces. Physical Characteristics Size: Up to about 6 inches. Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop the strongest opal/red-top display, while females and juveniles are more subdued or variably patterned. Body Shape: Deep, sturdy Labeotropheus mbuna body with a specialized grazing profile. Behavior and Temperament Temperament: Mildly aggressive. Social Behavior: Best in a rock-heavy mbuna community with broken sightlines and compatible fish of similar size. Aquarium Care Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended. Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water. Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, and strong filtration. Diet and Feeding Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food. Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food. Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food. Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding. Breeding Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding Notes: Males display around rocky territories. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release. Tank Mates Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size. Avoid: Delicate community fish, very small tank mates, and very similar males in cramped tanks.
