Spindle hap
Protomelas taeniolatus
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A cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, from shallow, sediment-free rocky areas, where it eats algae from the rocks and small invertebrates. The male is very colourful — it is sold as 'red empress'. It is calm outside the breeding season.
- Scientific name
- Protomelas taeniolatus
- Family
- Cichlidae
Fact sheet
General
- Water
- Freshwater
- Group
- Fish
Taxonomy
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Synonyms
- Cyrtocara taeniolata, Cyrtocara taeniolatus, Haplochromis cancellus, Haplochromis taeniolatus, Protomelas dejunctus taeniolatus
Origin
- Native region
- África
Water
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.6–8.8
- General hardness (GH)
- 10–25 °dGH
Size and lifespan
- Adult size
- 20 cm
- Minimum tank (volume)
- 205 L
- Minimum tank (length)
- 120 cm
Behavior
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming level
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care
- Care difficulty
- Moderate
Conservation and trade
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
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