Protomelas fenestratus Breeding Guide

Breeding Protomelas fenestratus, the Steveni Taiwan Reef hap from Lake Malawi: substrate-blowing diet, sexing, harem spawning, male pit display and three-week maternal mouthbrooding.

Overview

Protomelas fenestratus is a haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, marketed in the hobby as the Steveni Taiwan Reef. It reaches a length of 14 cm (5.6 in) and shows vertical bars and thin horizontal lines whose darkness varies by location, producing a lattice-like, window-reminiscent pattern. The genus Protomelas contains 16 recognised species and shows the maternal mouthbrooding and sexual dimorphism typical of the group.

Sexing

Males grow larger overall, are more strongly coloured, and develop extended dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. In dominant males the blue colouration obscures the body barring. Females remain smaller and plainer, which makes mature males easy to identify in a group.

Conditioning

This species is a substrate blower: it blows away sand to uncover insect larvae and crustaceans. Condition broodstock on a varied diet that reflects this invertebrate-based feeding. Recommended water is 24-28 C (75-82 F), pH 7.6-8.8 and hardness 10-25 dH.

Breeding Setup

Because males are highly territorial, this species should be spawned in a harem of one male with several females to dissipate the male's aggression during pursuits. A breeding group needs a large tank (a footprint of roughly 122 x 38 cm or more) with open sand and flat rocks to serve as spawning sites.

Spawning Behaviour & Trigger

When in condition a male establishes a territory built around a flat rock surface or a pit he excavates in the substrate, then displays around it in intense colour to entice females. The female lays her eggs at the site, allowing the male to fertilise them, before taking them into her mouth.

Egg & Fry Care

The female broods the eggs and larvae for approximately three weeks before releasing the free-swimming juveniles. Newly released fry will accept newly hatched brine shrimp or microworm immediately once free-swimming, and grow on well if offered frequent small feeds. Because the species varies geographically, with barring and horizontal lines whose darkness depends on location, fry from a given line are best kept with their own population to preserve the morph.

Common Challenges

Male territoriality is the principal hurdle; keeping a single male with a group of females reduces harassment. Holding females may stop feeding while brooding, so condition them well in advance, and avoid disturbing a carrying female to prevent premature release of the brood.