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Protomelas taeniolatus
Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Red Empress Cichlid - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Red Empress Cichlid requires a minimum of 75 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 7 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
The Red Empress Cichlid is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 75 gallons. Adults reach about 7 inches and live 8-10 years. Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 75 gallons or larger with stable parameters. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
Red Empress Cichlid reaches 7 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 8-10 years with proper care. The minimum is based on 7 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Red Empress Cichlid is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Red Empress Cichlid for 4 weeks before adding to display. Red Empress Cichlid prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Red Empress Cichlid taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.
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