Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)

Parámetros de cuidado

Temperatura

24–26 °C

pH

6–8

Dureza GH

5–19 dGH

Tamaño adulto

8.5–12.4 cm

Tanque mínimo

185 L

Capa de nado

Bottom-dwelling

Dificultad

Moderada

Temperamento

Assertive but manageable with space and structure

Origen

Lake Malawi, Africa

Descripción de la especie

Protomelas taeniolatus, a member of the family Cichlidae, is native to Lake Malawi, Africa. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 8.5–12.4 cm. Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 24–26 °C at pH 6–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Biotopo natural

Hábitat

Lakes and slow rivers with structure

Corriente

Still to gentle current

Oxígeno disuelto

Moderate

Paisaje y equipo

Sustrato

Sand with rock piles

Decoración dura

Stones, caves and broken lines of sight

Plantas

Hardy species that tolerate digging

Temperamento, dieta y compañeros

Sociabilidad

Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded

Dieta

Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety

Compañeros recomendados

• Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below

Evitar con

• Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly

Cría y notas

Dimorfismo sexual

Often striking; males larger and brighter

Método de cría

Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care