Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus)

Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus) - Show-Stopping Colour for the Advanced Malawi Aquarium

The Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus) is regarded as one of the most beautiful Lake Malawi haps, with dominant males flushing into a dazzling wash of blue, orange and red as they mature. Females and juveniles wear a more subdued silvery-grey, making adult males the true showpiece of this species.

As a haplochromine rather than a mbuna, the Red Empress is somewhat less relentlessly territorial than the rock-dwelling zebras and labs, but it is still a robust, confident cichlid that needs space and similarly-sized company to thrive without being bullied or bullying others.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, approx. 3–5 cm
• Adult Size: 10–14 cm
• Tank Size: 200 L minimum, with rockwork and caves for territories
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial — keep only with other robust African cichlids of similar size, not a peaceful community fish
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• Difficulty: Moderate

Ideal Habitat and Care

Provide open sand for foraging alongside rockwork for shelter, and maintain hard, alkaline water to match its Lake Malawi origins.

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• Water Flow: Moderate to strong, with efficient filtration to handle bioload
• Maintenance: Weekly partial water changes to maintain stable, mineral-rich water

Diet

An omnivorous, herbivore-leaning diet suits this species well.

• High-quality cichlid pellets as a staple
• Spirulina-based flake for plant matter
• Occasional frozen foods as a treat
• Avoid excess high-fat foods, which can cause bloat

Compatibility

Pair the Red Empress with other robust, similarly-sized African cichlids for a balanced community.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Other Lake Malawi haps and peaceful mbuna of similar size
• Robust, similarly-tempered African cichlids
• Not suited to soft-water community fish or delicate species

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.