Protomelas pleurotaenia

Classification

Cichlidae

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Malawi. It is found in Nkhata Bay and Monkey Bay.

Habitat

It inhabits beds of vegetation between rocky and sandy areas.

Maximum Standard Length

5.6″ (14cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 18″ x 15″ (120cm x 45cm x 37.5cm) – 200 litres.

Maintenance

Much of the aquarium should contain piles of rocks arranged to form caves with small areas of open water between. A sandy substrate is best and some clumps of Vallisneria would simulate the natural habitat of the fish.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

pH: 7.6-8.8

Hardness: 10-25°H

Diet

It will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A gentle species which is not suited to the boisterous mbuna community although it does become territorial when breeding. Suitable tankmates include Aulonocara, Copadichromis and other peaceful Malawi species. Males are very territorial and a very large tank would be required to keep more than one. It is also better to keep several females per male.

Sexual Dimorphism

The male is larger and much more colourful than the female and has extended dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.

Reproduction

No information available regarding captive breeding. It is most likely a maternal mouthbrooder following a similar pattern to other species in the genus.

NotesTop ↑

This species has an interesting method of feeding in nature. It ‘blows’ at the top layer of the substrate (usually sand) and feeds on any invertebrates or other morsels that are uncovered. It is rare in the hobby and little information regarding it’s care is available.