Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs.

Approximate purchase size : 12cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible. Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible. Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
These are an easy level of care.

How large can they grow?
20cm

Where in the world are they from?
This species tends to inhabit rocky, shallow areas of Lake Malawi.

What is the ideal number to keep together?
Males are very territorial and a very large tank would be required to keep more than one. It is also advised to have several females per male.

What water conditions do they require?
Temperature ranges of 24-28°C and will accept pH ranges between 7.6 - 8.8.

What should you feed them?
A large proportion of their diet should consist of vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach/lettuce. Frozen foods like brine shrimp, Daphnia and bloodworm are good supplements to this diet.

How compatible are they with other fish?
This peaceful species is recommended to be kept with Aulonocara, Copadichromis and other peaceful Malawi species.

Can they be bred in captivity?
It is possible. This maternal moutbrooding species should be spawned in a species tank for the best results. A 200 litre aquarium is an adequate size and this should have a sandy substrate and piles of rocks that form caves and hiding places. Be sure to provide some areas of open sand and flat rock surfaces to act as potential spawning sites.