Species profile
Red Empress
Protomelas taeniolatus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
500 L minimum aquarium
15–23 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large, comparatively composed Malawi hap whose adult males need significantly more room than the old 300 L placeholder implied.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Usually kept as one male with several females or in a spacious hap/peacock community. Adult males can be forceful during breeding; very small tankmates may be eaten.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
500 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Protomelas taeniolatus
Alternative names
Red Empress, Spindle Hap, Protomelas taeniolatus
Native range
Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Shallow rocky habitat where fish graze algal growth and associated organisms. Provide rock structure, open swimming room and hard alkaline water.
Diet & feeding
Primarily grazes aufwuchs/algal material while taking associated small invertebrates. Use a vegetable-rich Malawi diet with moderate supplemental protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop the characteristic blue head and red/orange body; females and juveniles are much plainer silver/brown.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder; a displaying male attracts females to a spawning territory and females brood eggs/fry orally.