Protomelas Taeniolatus Red Empress regular 1.25 -2.25 inch

Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus is known to most as the Red Empress and has a lake-wide distribution. This herbivorous cichlid feeds by foraging algae from the rocks in its preferred rocky habitat of Lake Malawi. This beautiful fish is mildly aggressive and is a favorite in the Hap and Hap/peacock mixes featured on this site. It performs well on the Red Zebra Stampede and Rainbow Zebra foods though a supplement of Hippocampus Green or Red Zebra Pasture is recommended and also appreciated by the carnivore Haps and omnivore peacocks that may share the same tank. A tank size of 55 gallon and larger is recommended with a temp of 78 to 82 degrees and an aquarium or cichlid salt at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons is also helpful.