Edit Protomelas taeniolatus
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Protomelas taeniolatus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Protomelas taeniolatus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is widespread over rocky areas of shallow, clear water. Very similar t…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
200mm, 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
Peaceful
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi. It has a wide distribution in the lake.
Habitat
It inhabits rocky areas of shallow, clear (no sediment) water.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres.
Maintenance
Use piles of rocks to form lots of caves and hiding places with areas of open space for swimming between. A sandy substrate is ideal.
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 7.6-8.8 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
It feeds mainly on algae and other microrganisms in nature and requires a high fibre diet in the aquarium. A large proportion of the diet should therefore be c…
Behaviour and compatibility
A peaceful species but it is more robust than others in the genus and can even be kept with mbuna. However, more suitable tankmates include Aulonocara, Copadic…
Sexual dimorphism
The male is larger and much more colourful than the female and has extended dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.
Reproduction
Possible. Maternal mouthbrooder. For the best results, it should be spawned in a species tank. Adult fish tend to be quite expensive so a more feasible option …
Notes
One of the more popular and readily available Protomelas species in the hobby, P. taeniolatus is very similar to P. fenestratus. Several colour forms of both t…
References
References
No references