Protomelas taeniolatus
| Common Names: | Red Empress Spindle Hap |
| Synonyms: | Cyrtocara taeniolata Cyrtocara taeniolatus Haplochromis taeniolatus |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Category: | Cichlids |
| Distribution: | Africa; Lake Malawi, Africa. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Rift Lake; Rift Lake |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Extremely aggresive when in breeding mode and claims large territories. If females are not willing to co-operate with the male he will kill them. When alone are very peaceful and are more intersted in swimming up and down the tank than starting a fight. |
| Diet: | Herbivore; Herbivore |
| Care: | Feed with flake and pellet food. May also be fed live food such as small fish and worms. They need a very large tank to claim territories because they are the most active malawi fish and love to swim. They need lots of rock work to hide in, especially for the females. Include a large amount of gravel to dig in. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 20cm (7.9") Female: 20cm (7.9") |
| Water Region: | All; All |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | Males are bright blue and red. Females are grey. |
| Breeding: | Red Empress are mouth brooders. The fry are transferred to pits dug by the male. |
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| Comments: | Thanks to <a href="/forums/profile.asp?action=viewprofile&handle=me">Me</a> for contributing this profile. |
| Main Colours: | Blue, Red |
| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Normal |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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