Red Empress

Protomelas taeniolatus 

 - Guaranteed Male 4"+ 

Minimum Tank Size:

A 75-gallon tank is recommended, with 100 gallons or more preferred for a group of Red Empress cichlids. 

Substrate:

Use a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. 

Decor:

Provide plenty of rockwork to create caves and hiding places, mimicking the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi where they are found. 

Plants:

Hardy plants like Java Fern or Anubias can be added, but they should not be densely planted as Red Empress cichlids need ample open swimming space. 

Lighting:

Moderate lighting is sufficient, with some shaded areas created by the rockwork. 

Filtration:

Good filtration is essential to maintain water quality, as these fish are sensitive to poor conditions. 

Water Parameters:

Maintain a pH of 7.5-8.5, a water hardness between 10-20 dGH, and a temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C). 

Diet:

Red Empress cichlids are omnivorous, and their diet should be primarily vegetarian, consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes. 

Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. 

Be careful not to overfeed, as they are prone to Malawi Bloat, which can be fatal. 

Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day, ensuring they can consume the food within a few minutes. 

Tank Mates:

Red Empress cichlids can generally be kept with other similarly sized, peaceful African cichlids. 

Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or overly timid tank mates. 

Ensure sufficient space and hiding places to reduce aggression, especially during breeding. 

Breeding:

Red Empress cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders.