Aulonocara Red Empress

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus
• Common Names: Red Empress Cichlid, Super Red Empress, Red Peacock (informal in the hobby)
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Physical Description

• Coloration: Males are highly colorful, displaying bright red bodies with blue or green highlights, particularly around the face and fins. Females, in contrast, are typically silver or dull gray. The colors in males become more pronounced as they mature, and during breeding, males often show their most intense coloration.
• Size: Males can grow up to 6-7 inches (15-18 cm), while females remain slightly smaller, usually around 4-5 inches (10-12 cm).
• Body Shape: Red Empress cichlids have elongated, streamlined bodies with a gently sloping forehead and a relatively blunt snout.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are typically edged with vibrant colors. The fins of males, in particular, may have a blue or metallic sheen with bright red edges.

Behavior

• Temperament: Red Empress cichlids are semi-aggressive, especially males, which can become territorial, particularly during breeding times. They are generally less aggressive than Mbuna cichlids but may still show aggression toward similarly sized or colored species.
• Social Structure: These fish do well in a harem-style setup, with one dominant male and several females. Multiple males can be kept together, but there may be territorial disputes, so a larger tank is required.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers, constantly exploring their environment, especially rocky structures and open swimming areas.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Red Empress cichlids inhabit the rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi. They are often found near the edges of the rocky shoreline, where they graze on algae and small invertebrates.
• Aquarium Setup: To mimic their natural environment, provide a tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of rocks or caves for hiding and territory establishment. They also need open areas for swimming.

Diet

• Feeding: Red Empress cichlids are omnivorous. In the wild, they graze on algae and small invertebrates, but in captivity, they will thrive on a varied diet. Offer a mix of high-quality cichlid pellets, flake foods, and occasional treats like frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice daily, offering only as much food as they can consume in a couple of minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Red Empress cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders. After the female lays eggs, she collects them in her mouth, and the male fertilizes them. The female then incubates the eggs in her mouth for about 2-3 weeks until the fry are ready to be released.
• Nesting: Males will establish a territory and often clear a sandy area or occupy a cave to attract females for breeding.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are released, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping a group of Red Empress cichlids, especially if keeping more than one male. A larger tank will help reduce aggression and provide enough space for territories.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 7.8 to 8.6 (alkaline)
  • Hardness: 10 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain optimal water quality, as these cichlids are sensitive to fluctuations in water conditions.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Red Empress cichlids can coexist with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids, such as Aulonocara species, Copadichromis, and certain Haplochromis species. Avoid keeping them with highly aggressive Mbuna cichlids or similarly colored species that may provoke aggression.
• Behavior with Others: Males can be territorial with other males, especially if space is limited. Ensure that the tank has plenty of hiding places and established boundaries to reduce conflict.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Red Empress cichlids can live for 5 to 8 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Interesting Facts

• The Red Empress cichlid’s vivid red coloration is primarily seen in males. Females are less colorful, but this allows for easy identification of gender.
• The intensity of the male’s red coloration often increases during the breeding season as they attempt to attract females.
• Red Empress cichlids can hybridize with other similar species if kept together, so hobbyists often avoid mixing them with other species of Protomelas or Aulonocara to prevent crossbreeding.