{"product_id":"red-empress-cichlid-protomelas-taeniolatus","title":"Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRed Empress Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eProtomelas taeniolatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking African cichlid known for its bold red, orange, and blue coloration and active personality. Native to Lake Malawi, this species is a favorite among hobbyists looking to add vibrant color and movement to a larger freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales develop the most intense coloration as they mature, displaying brilliant red-orange bodies with shimmering blue faces. Females remain more subdued but still add natural beauty and balance to African cichlid setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eProtomelas taeniolatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Empress Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–7 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7682°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.88.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Empress Cichlids thrive in spacious aquariums with plenty of rockwork, caves, and open swimming areas. A sandy or fine gravel substrate works best, along with strong filtration to maintain clean, oxygen-rich water. They are best kept with other similarly sized African cichlids in well-structured community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is omnivorous and benefits from a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based foods, and occasional frozen foods such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp. A balanced diet helps enhance coloration and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose the Red Empress Cichlid?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Empress Cichlid is a standout show fish for African cichlid aquariums. With its vibrant colors, active swimming behavior, and bold personality, it makes an excellent centerpiece fish for larger tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable now at Tropical Treasures Wyo your trusted source for freshwater fish in Cheyenne, WY. Shipping available to the lower 48 states.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53386641965269,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/red-empress-cichlid-protomelas-taeniolatus","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}