Cichlid - Red Empress

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Binomial name Protomelas taeniolatus

Basic Info

The fish is popular in the aquarium hobby due to the bright rainbow-like colors of adult males and its relatively peaceful temperament. Juvenile and female P. taeniolatus, like many Haplochromines, do not display bright colouration.

Health

These wonderful fish are great for the home aquarium! When kept in captivity they usually grow to around 15cm and should be kept in atleast a 150L tank +. They rather a ph level of 8.2 and like a temperature of 26-28°C (82.4°F) but rather 28°C.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

A freshwater fish, the Red Empress thrives in a shallow, rocky habitat with little, if any, sediment. It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates. Territory The Protomelas taeniolatus is generally a peaceful fish until breeding time. At this time the male will gaurd quite a large amount of territroy and chase away any fish that enters his 'lair'. The males are mostly aggressive to each other unless in a large area of water. When the breeding time is over he will, again, alow any fish to enter his territory and will not gaurd it.

Origin

Africa

History

Protomelas taeniolatus' (often sold under various trade names: Haplochromis Red Empress, Red Empress or Spindle Hap) is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa.

Common Foods

N/A