Large Red Empress Cichlid (5”)

• Common Name: Red Empress Cichlid

• Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa

• Adult Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years (sometimes longer in optimal conditions)

• Temperament: Peaceful for a cichlid, but can be territorial during breeding

Natural Environment

• Habitat:

  • Found in rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi, where they inhabit deep waters and rocky substrates.

  • These fish are often found in cavernous crevices and rocky outcrops, which they use for shelter, hiding, and breeding.

  • They thrive in well-oxygenated water and enjoy having some cave-like structures in their environment to retreat to. Mainly an open water swimmer

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 7.5–8.6

  • They prefer slightly harder water that mimics their natural environment in Lake Malawi.

• Behavior:

  • It is territorial and will claim an area of the tank, but it generally isn’t overly aggressive unless breeding or feeling threatened.

  • Juveniles are more social and may even shoal with other fish, but adults tend to be more solitary.

  • Its best to keep 1 Male per tank.

• Tank Size:

  • A minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) is recommended for a single Red Empress, but 75–100 gallons (280–380 liters) is ideal if you plan to keep multiple fish or a mixed-species African cichlid tank.

  • They do well in groups if the tank is large enough, but overcrowding should be avoided.

  • The larger the tank, the more natural the behavior of the fish.

• Water Quality:

  • Regular water changes (about 30-60% every week) are necessary to keep the water parameters stable and to help maintain vibrant coloration.

Diet

The Red Empress is a carnivorous and omnivorous fish in the wild. It feeds on:

• Small invertebrates

• Zooplankton

• Algae

• Detritus scraped off rocks

In captivity, a varied diet is essential for their health and coloration:

• High-quality pellets (meant for African cichlids)

• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill

• Vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched zucchini and peas to support their omnivorous needs

• Occasional live food like daphnia and ghost shrimp

Recommended Aquarium Setup

Because of their size and territorial nature, it’s important to set up the tank carefully to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for the Red Empress Cichlid:

• Aquascaping:

  • Rocky structures and caves to mimic their natural habitat. They will appreciate having hiding places.

  • Sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal, as it allows for natural behavior and keeps the water cleaner.

  • Moderate filtration is important, as cichlids can produce a significant amount of waste. Strong filtration ensures water remains clean and oxygenated.

• Water Flow:

  • These cichlids are accustomed to moderate to strong water flow, so a tank with adequate surface agitation or a good filter system is ideal.

  • Keep in mind that they need oxygenated water to thrive.

• Tank Mates:

  • The Red Empress Cichlid is relatively peaceful, making it suitable for a community tank with other African cichlids of similar temperament.

  • Avoid mixing them with overly aggressive species (e.g., Mbuna cichlids) unless the tank is large enough to provide space for territorial boundaries.

  • Good tank mates include other non-aggressive Cichlids, larger Tetras, Catfish, and Synodontis Catfish.

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Red Empress Cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning the female will carry the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch.

  • Its best to have 3-4  females per male in a breeding colony. The males will breed with multiple females in a week.

  • During breeding, they can become more territorial, so a breeding tank with plenty of hiding spots might be needed to avoid stress.