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

Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

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

Breeding

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

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

Diet

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

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

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

Behaviour

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

Identification

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

External links