All fish / Cichlidae

Red Empress

Protomelas taeniolatus

Also known as red empress cichlid, spindle hap, empress cichlid, protomelas taeniolatus red empress, fire blue, haplochromis taeniolatus, protomelas spilonotus red empress, เรดเอ็มเพรส, プロトメラス・タエニオラトゥス, レッドエンプレス, red empress, 红皇后

Male Red Empress cichlids are known for their bright colouring. The head and throat are electric blue, and the flanks turn orange to red as the fish matures. Females and juveniles are silvery with dark horizontal markings. In the wild this haplochromine grazes algae and small invertebrates from rocky shores, and it is popular in mixed Malawi community tanks because it is fairly calm for a hap.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 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, spirulina flakes, vegetable matter and occasional frozen foods such as mysis

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

This species is a maternal mouthbrooder. The male displays over a cleared spot, and the female then carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. Breeding in captivity is straightforward with a good ratio of females to males.

Good to know

Males can grow to about 15 cm or more and become territorial with similar-looking males, so keep only one male per tank. It readily hybridises with other haps, so avoid keeping it with similar species.