Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameProtomelas taeniolatus

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asRed Empress Cichlid, Spindle Hap, Haplochromis red empress

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size6 in

Minimum tank size75 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Males display rainbow flanks of orange, blue, and red with a metallic blue head; females silvery with faint stripes.

Difficulty and care for the Red Empress

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Lake Malawi, Africa

Keeper notes

Relatively peaceful hap; males territorial at breeding. Good in a hap/peacock community with adequate space.

Log Red Empress in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Red Empress alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app