Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Red Empress Cichlid

Protomelas taeniolatus (Trewavas, 1935)

Also called Red Empress, Spindle Hap, Haplochromis Red Empress, Super Red Empress, Blue Fire

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa, widespread between about 9 and 15 degrees south on shallow, sediment-free rocky shores.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length11.3 to 20 cm1 3 2

Sizemedium

Spectacular male colour

Peaceful but sturdy

Mixes well with peacocks and other haps

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Streamlined haplochromine with long fins

A sleek cichlid with long flowing fins; adult males glow in a rainbow mix while females stay softly silvery.2 3

Coloursmales rainbow of blue, red, orange and yellowfemales and juveniles silvery grey2 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful most of the time and robust enough to live with mbuna; males defend a patch of rock when breeding.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An agile swimmer that weaves through rocks and grazes surfaces through the day.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rocky landscape with open sand, strong filtration and regular water changes; feed lightly as it tends to put on weight.3

Home where they are happiest

At least 120 x 45 cm base (about 205 litres), 24 to 28 C, pH about 7.6 to 8.8 and 10 to 25 dGH.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly a grazer; give a high-fibre diet with spirulina flakes and blanched greens, plus brine shrimp, Daphnia or bloodworm.3 1 2

Company who they like around

One male with several females works well; suits a community with Aulonocara, Copadichromis and other peaceful Malawi cichlids.3

The story where it all began

Ethelwynn Trewavas described it in 1935 as Haplochromis taeniolatus. It now sits in Protomelas, and its many regional colour forms have made it a popular aquarium fish.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Parents in the wild set up guarding stations next to each other, and young can move between families for protection.1
2
Its long fins help it move quickly through rocky reefs.2
3
Only mature males show the full rainbow colours; youngsters and females are plain.2
4
Different wild colour forms reach different adult sizes, hinting that some may be separate species.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018)1
Taxonomy: Described by Trewavas in 1935 as Haplochromis taeniolatus; several colour forms may later prove distinct3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Red Empress Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Red Empress Cichlid?

Feed your Red Empress Cichlid small amounts once or twice daily. They tend to put on weight, so keep portions light. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed once or twice a day.3 1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Red Empress Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Red Empress Cichlid is a grazer that thrives on a high-fibre diet with spirulina flakes and blanched greens, plus occasional brine shrimp, Daphnia or bloodworm. For foods to avoid, it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder.3 1 2

How much space does a Red Empress Cichlid need?

They need a tank with a base of at least 120 by 45 centimetres, which is about 205 litres. This gives them plenty of room to swim and graze.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Red Empress Cichlid need?

Keep the water temperature between 24 and 28°C, with a pH of 7.6 to 8.8 and hardness of 10 to 25 dGH. Standard aquarium lighting is fine.3 1

How often should I clean a Red Empress Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a 25% water change each week, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water.3 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Red Empress Cichlid live with others?

Yes, they are peaceful and can live with other peaceful Malawi cichlids like Aulonocara. A group of one male with several females works best.3 2

How long does a Red Empress Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies; for specific information, please ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Red Empress Cichlid?

It's best to avoid handling your Red Empress Cichlid; they have long flowing fins that can be easily damaged. Use a net only when necessary. For more advice, consult your vet.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase species summary: Protomelas taeniolatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
Wikipedia: Protomelas taeniolatus en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
Seriously Fish: Protomelas taeniolatus seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.