Fishician®Diet
Herbivore/Omnivore – spirulina flake, cichlid pellets, algae
Aquarium species profile
Red Empress
Protomelas taeniolatus · Lake Malawi
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size6"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other Peacocks, larger Haps, Synodontis catfish
Tank mates to avoid
Aggressive Mbuna, very small fish
Care notes
Males are brilliant orange-red with blue-green iridescence on the face. One of the most stunning and popular Malawi Haplochromines. Females are silver with dark markings. Grazes on aufwuchs in the wild.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.