Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus) Care Guide

One of the most colorful Lake Malawi haplochromines. Males display a spectacular blend of red, orange, and blue with iridescent scales.

Overview

Protomelas taeniolatus is a species in the family Cichlidae. One of the most colorful Lake Malawi haplochromines. Males display a spectacular blend of red, orange, and blue with iridescent scales. Relatively peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, it does well in mixed haplochromine and peacock setups.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Protomelas
Scientific name: Protomelas taeniolatus
Other names: Spindle Hap
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, where it inhabits intermediate sandy-rocky zones at depths of 1-30 m along most of the lake shoreline. Numerous regional colour forms are circulated under collection-locality names. Adult males develop highly variable red, blue and yellow patterns; females remain a more uniform brown.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 250 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Peacock Cichlid, Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Synodontis Petricola
Avoid with: Mbunas, Small Fish, Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate