Protomelas taeniolatus Super Red Empress

Protomelas taeniolatus, the Red Empress, is one of the most popular and recognisable Lake Malawi haplochromines. The Super Red Empress is a selectively bred strain developed to maximise the red-orange body colouration — males display an extraordinary full-body red-orange with brilliant electric blue on the head, nape, and dorsal fin. The fin quality and colour saturation of the Super Red strain surpasses standard Red Empress fish.

The species in nature is a rock-dwelling algae scraper distributed widely along the rocky western shore of Lake Malawi. It has a downturned snout somewhat similar to Labeotropheus, though it is a haplochromine rather than a true mbuna. The tank-bred Super Red strain has become a cornerstone species in the hobby.

In the aquarium, the Super Red Empress is one of the most spectacular large haps available. Males in prime condition display colouration that rivals even the most vivid saltwater fish. A diet with strong astaxanthin supplementation maintains the intense red, while the blue head colour benefits from spirulina in the diet. It is a moderately aggressive species compatible with a wide range of Malawi haps and peacocks.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; excellent water quality directly impacts colour saturation. Tank: 400L minimum; rock aquascape with flat grazing surfaces; open display areas for full colour appreciation. Feeding: Carotenoid and astaxanthin enriched pellets are critical for maintaining the intense red; Nori for greens. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; large clutches of 20-35 eggs; females need recovery time post-release. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; excellent show fish for large hap-and-peacock communities.