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Protomelas Red Empress
Scientific name: Protomelas Red Empress
Common name: Red Epmpress
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 14 cm (4.72 - 5.51 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Although Protomelas is classed as a carnivore, it will accept cichlid pellets and the addition of some spirulina will be beneficial. Its main diet should consist of live or frozen foods, chopped earthworms and blood worms.
Origin
African Protomelas is endemic to Lake Malawi.
Sexing
Males will display more colouration than the females. The females tend to have a grayish silver colour to their bodies.
Breeding
These fish are mouth brooders. The female will spawn and the eggs will be fertilized quickly by the male. The female will then scoop up the eggs for incubation. Normally the hatched fry will be released after 3 weeks but during the brooding period, the female may hide and not eat. When the fry have been released, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Protomelas is 15 years.
Short description
In the wild, these fish will blow at the substrate in their search for food. As with all Malawi species, plenty of rock work should be added to the tank.