Fish Species
Red Empress
Protomelas taeniolatus
About
The Red Empress is one of the most visually striking cichlids from Lake Malawi. Males display a brilliant combination of red, orange, and electric blue, making them a centerpiece fish in any Malawi tank. Females are a more subdued silver-gray. They are open-water swimmers and prefer the mid to upper levels of the tank. Red Empress are mouthbrooders and relatively peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, doing well in mixed Haplochromis communities.
Gallery
Classification
Scientific Name
Protomelas taeniolatus
Origin Region
Lake Malawi
Water Type
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Care Difficulty
Intermediate
Water Requirements
Lake MalawiTemperature
24–28°C
pH
7.8–8.6
GH Hardness
10–20dGH
KH Alkalinity
10–15dKH
Min Tank Size
300L