Pombo Reef Yellow Chin

Protomelas sp. \"Steveni Imperial\" (also known as Protomelas sp. \"Taeniolatus Yellow Chin\")

- Guaranteed Male 4.5"+ -

Common Name: Yellow Chin Pombo Reef cichlid, or simply Pombo Yellow Chin.

Origin: This cichlid originates from Lake Malawi, specifically the Pombo Rocks region.

Appearance: They are known for their bright yellow chin and sometimes, a bright yellow belly and bottom fins, along with a light blue top half of the fish.

Temperament: While considered relatively peaceful compared to other African cichlids, they can still be semi-aggressive and territorial, especially towards other males or fish with similar colors and shapes.

Size: They can reach a size of 4 to 6 inches. 

Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 45 gallons is generally recommended for these fish. Some sources suggest at least 70 gallons for one male and a few females.

Water Parameters: They prefer hard, alkaline water with a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and temperatures between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Setup: A Lake Malawi style setup with a light sandy substrate and plenty of rocks and caves for hiding is ideal.

Diet: They are primarily herbivores in the wild but are omnivores in captivity. Their diet should consist mainly of protein, including high-quality flakes and pellets formulated for African cichlids, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill, as well as plant-based foods like spirulina, zucchini, peas, spinach, and lettuce.

Breeding: They are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth until they are large enough to survive on their own. Breeding can occur in home aquariums when the fish are around 6 months old and reach about 5-6 cm in size.