Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)

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Red Empress 600.jpg
Male Red Empress

Protomelas taeniolatus

208 Litres (55 US G.)

12.7-15.2cm (5-6 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.5 - 8.5

24 -26 °C (75.2-78.8°F)

6-16 °d

1:1 M:F

Herbivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years




Additional names

Spindle Hap, Haplochromis Red Empress


Origin[edit]

Endemic to Lake Malawi.


Sexing[edit]

The male has a red body with blue head, the female is grey.

Breeding[edit]

This fish is a Mouth Brooder. Males can be aggressive during breeding to the point of killing a disinterested female. Males will claim and defend a large territory during this time.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Fairly peaceful for an African Cichlid, should be kept with similar Malawi Cichlids, peaceful Mbuna and Synodontis catfish.


Diet[edit]

Feed quality flakes and pellets, spirulina and supplement the diet with blanched vegetables.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

Provide with hiding places/caves. Prefers a tank with a lot of rockwork.


Behaviour[edit]

Typical African Cichlid when breeding. Enjoys digging in gravel or sand.


Identification[edit]

An attractive elongate oval fish that is vivid blue around the head with hints of red and green through the body. The dorsal fin is edged in white.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]