Red Empress Cichlid Care Guide
Protomelas taeniolatus
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Bioload Score
15400
Semi-AggressiveModerateFreshwater
- Max Size
- 15.0 cm / 6.0"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (76–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7.5 – 8.5
- Min Tank Size
- 250L (66 gal)
- Min Group Size
- Can be kept alone
- Tank Level
- Bottom-Mid
- Origin
- Lake Malawi
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Moderate
Diet
Omnivorous, prefers a varied diet including high-quality flakes/pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetable matter
Community Compatibility
Red Empress Cichlids can be kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Avoid pairing them with overly aggressive or territorial species. Provide plenty of hiding spots and rock formations to create territories and reduce aggression.
Gender Differences
Males are larger and develop more vibrant coloration, especially during breeding. Females are generally smaller and have duller colors.
Stock Red Empress Cichlid in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Red Empress Cichlid fits your aquarium