{"product_id":"tropical-fish-uk-for-sale-dwarf-copper-mouth-brooder-pseudocrenilabrus-philander-dispersus-0813","title":"Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003etropical fish uk\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003ePseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus\u003c\/em\u003e, a small, colorful african mouthbrooding cichlid with fascinating breeding behavior and manageable care requirements.. Bryde's whale  ( BRUU-dəz), or the Bryde's whale complex, putatively comprises three species of rorqual and possibly four. The \"complex\" means the number and classification remain unclear because of a\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Southern Africa; the subspecies Pseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus is associated with inland waters of southeastern Africa, including parts of Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and nearby regions, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003ePseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits southern africa; the subspecies pseudocrenilabrus philander dispersus is associated with inland waters of southeastern africa, including parts of zambia, malawi, mozambique, zimbabwe, and nearby regions. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural habitat features specific water chemistry and environmental conditions that we carefully replicate in captive care for optimal health and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003e60 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20-26C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0-8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a omnivore, Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied small-cichlid diet of quality micro-pellets or crushed cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and insect larvae; include...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder is classified as \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide rockwork, caves, and visual barriers to break line of sight and reduce aggression. Keep water clean and stable; males can be territorial, especially in small tanks. Avoid housing with tiny...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept in a species tank or with similarly sized, robust African fish in a larger aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther similarly sized, non-aggressive African cichlids only in sufficiently spacious setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge predatory fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small fry or nano fish that may be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow, long-finned fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder; a bonded pair will usually spawn readily in good conditions. The female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth, and the male may become territorial during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your tropical fish uk purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Dwarf Copper Mouth-Brooder specimens are among the finest tropical fish uk available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4 - 4,5 cm","offer_id":57427490799951,"sku":"0813","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 - 6 cm","offer_id":57456881205583,"sku":"0814","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/dwarf-copper-mouth-brooder-pseudocrenilabrus-philander-hero-driftwood-0813_d9e181c7-d5e2-496b-ba88-d6a61dcd07b0.webp?v=1776548559","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/tropical-fish-uk-for-sale-dwarf-copper-mouth-brooder-pseudocrenilabrus-philander-dispersus-0813","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}