Edit Protomelas pleurotaenia
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Name
Scientific name
Protomelas pleurotaenia
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Protomelas pleurotaenia is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from Nkhata Bay and Monkey Bay, where it lives in vegetation between roc…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
140mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.6–8.8
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi. It is found in Nkhata Bay and Monkey Bay.
Habitat
It inhabits beds of vegetation between rocky and sandy areas.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres.
Maintenance
Much of the aquarium should contain piles of rocks arranged to form caves with small areas of open water between. A sandy substrate is best and some clumps of …
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 7.6-8.8 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
It will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.
Behaviour and compatibility
A gentle species which is not suited to the boisterous mbuna community although it does become territorial when breeding. Suitable tankmates include Aulonocara…
Sexual dimorphism
The male is larger and much more colourful than the female and has extended dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.
Reproduction
No information available regarding captive breeding. It is most likely a maternal mouthbrooder following a similar pattern to other species in the genus.
Notes
This species has an interesting method of feeding in nature. It 'blows' at the top layer of the substrate (usually sand) and feeds on any invertebrates or othe…
References
References
No references