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
Max Size
20 cm | 7.9 in
Water Requirements
Lake MalawiTemperature
24–28°C
pH
7.8–8.6
GH Hardness
10–20dGH
KH Alkalinity
10–15dKH
Min Tank Size
300L