Red Empress Cichlid
Protomelas taeniolatus
Origin: Lake Malawi
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 22 cm
- Min Tank
- 300 L
- Lifespan
- 6-10
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive; one dominant male per community; relatively peaceful for a large haplochromine; compatible with peacocks and other haps
About
Protomelas taeniolatus (Red Empress) is a large and vividly coloured haplochromine from Lake Malawi; dominant males display stunning red-orange flanks with iridescent blue faces and dorsal markings. A relatively peaceful hap that adds impressive colour to larger Malawi community setups with other haplochromines and peacocks. A staple of the Malawi cichlid hobby for its beauty, relative hardiness, and manageable temperament.
Care Guide
Minimum 300 L with open swimming space and some rocky structure. Malawi water: pH 7.5–8.5, GH 8–20, KH 5–10, temperature 24–28°C. Feed quality haplochromine pellets and spirulina; avoid high-protein diets. Keep one dominant male with multiple females. Compatible with other large peacocks and haps. Regular 30% water changes weekly.
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