All fish / Cichlidae

Fenestratus

Protomelas fenestratus

Also known as fenestratus, protomelas fenestratus, haplochromis fenestratus, fenestratus taiwan reef, protomelas taiwan reef, red fenestratus, fenestratus steveni, protomelas steveni, プロトメラス・フェネストラトゥス, 窗纹朴丽鱼

This haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi lives over rocky and mixed habitats. Mature males have a metallic blue head and a body with dark vertical bars, often washed with orange or yellow, while females are a duller silvery brown with bars. Keepers like it because it is colourful and active, yet calmer than most mbuna.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females

Diet

Omnivore: quality cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female holds the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks, and the species breeds readily in a well kept tank.

Good to know

Males are territorial towards similar looking males, so keep one male per tank unless the tank is very large. It hybridises easily with other Protomelas and haps, so avoid mixing closely related species if you plan to breed it.