Red Empress Cichlid

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus
• Common Name: Red Empress Cichlid
• Adult Size: 5–6 inches (13–15 cm), with some males reaching up to 7 inches (18 cm) in large tanks
• Life Expectancy: 5–10 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, Africa; typically found in rocky areas and open waters near sediment-free zones with clear, alkaline water

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a single male and a few females; larger if mixing with other cichlids
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; males can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept with other similarly sized and tempered Malawi cichlids. Avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks unless heavily decorated and spacious.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • Feeds well on high-quality cichlid pellets and flakes
  • Supplement with spirulina, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional protein sources like brine shrimp or krill

  • Avoid high-protein or meaty diets to prevent Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Males are known for their striking coloration: a fiery blend of red, orange, and blue that intensifies with age and dominance
• Females are typically silver or grey, often with faint horizontal striping
• Elongated body with a slightly arched back and long, pointed dorsal and anal fins

Distinctive Features

• Brilliant coloration in males earns it the name “Red Empress”
• Displays sexual dimorphism—only males show bright colors, making them a centerpiece fish in display tanks
• Peaceful for a Haplochromine cichlid, though still assertive—ideal in species or mixed Lake Malawi community setups
• Mouthbrooding species: females incubate eggs in their mouths for ~21 days
• Best kept with open swimming space and rocky caves for hiding and territory separation