Red Empress

Red Empress

Protomelas taeniolatus

Also known as: Super Red Empress

💧 Freshwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🍽️ Omnivore

One of the most colorful Haplochromis-type cichlids. Males display brilliant red, blue, and orange coloring across the entire body.

Tank Size

55 gal
minimum (75+ preferred)

Temperature

75–82°F
24–28°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5
water acidity

Max Size

6"
15.2 cm

Lifespan

8–10 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

More peaceful than Mbuna. Best kept with Peacocks and other mild Haps. Provide open swimming space and some rocks.

Feeding

Pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and spirulina. Varied diet brings out the best color.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Diamond Tetra 2.5" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Scissortail Rasbora 3.5"

Incompatible With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Green Neon Tetra 1" Red Phantom Tetra 1.5" Espei Rasbora 1.5" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7"

Check Compatibility

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