Protomelas Taeniolatus (Red Empress)

Scientific Name:Protomelas Taeniolatus  Pronunciation: pr-t-m-ls t-n--lt-sCommon Name(s): Red EmpressGeo. Origin: Aquarium line-bred strain of the Namalenje varietyHabitat: Sediment-free rocky habitatDiet: HerbivoreGender Differences: DimorphicBreeding: Maternal MouthbrooderTemperament: Mildly AggressiveConspecific Temperament: AggressiveMaximum Size: 9"Temperature: 78 - 82°FpH: 7.8 - 8.6Water Hardness: HardDifficulty: 2 Protomelas taeniolatus namalenje aka Red Empress are a stunning fish with its blue face and bright red body they are simply breathtaking. Red empress are primarily herbivorous feeding by sucking algae from small rock pockets like most Cichlids however these are opportunistic feeders and will happily feed on plankton and invertebrates when supply is plentiful. Aquarium behavior: Large open swimming space should be provided for this species and a small amount of rock work the substrate should be a fine grade sand. This species will hybridise with other Protomelas species