Description
The Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus) is a vibrant and popular cichlid native to Lake Malawi, prized for its striking coloration and active behaviour. Males display intense red, orange, and blue hues with bold vertical stripes, while females tend to be more subdued with silvery or yellowish tones. This species is a favorite among African cichlid enthusiasts due to its vivid appearance and relatively manageable temperament.
Features of Red Empress
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Grows up to 15 cm in length
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Males showcase brilliant red, orange, and blue with vertical banding
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Females are generally pale yellow or silver with faint markings
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Moderately aggressive, especially males during breeding
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Active swimmers that benefit from spacious aquariums
The Best Aquarium Size for Red Empress
A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended to accommodate adults comfortably and reduce territorial disputes.
Tank Mate Compatibility for Red Empress
Suitable tank mates include other Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament such as:
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Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus)
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Electric Blue Johanni (Melanochromis johannii)
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Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
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Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species)
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Synodontis Catfish
Avoid keeping with overly aggressive or much larger cichlids.
Diet for Red Empress
Omnivorous; provide a balanced diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Include some vegetable matter to mimic natural feeding habits.
Aquarium Setup for Red Empress
Aquarium Filtration
Strong filtration is essential due to the bioload of cichlids; canister filters or sump systems are recommended for maintaining optimal water quality.
Aquarium Plants
Hardy plants such as Anubias or Java fern can be used, but many cichlids may dig or uproot plants. Rock formations and caves are preferable for decoration.
Aquarium Lighting
Moderate lighting enhances the vibrant colours of the Red Empress without stressing the fish.
Aquarium Heating
Maintain stable water temperatures between 24°C and 28°C.
Aquarium Substrate
Use sand or fine gravel to replicate their natural habitat and allow natural digging behaviours.
Aquarium Decorations
Incorporate plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding spots to establish territories and reduce aggression. Open swimming areas are also important for this active species.
