Protomelas sp. steveni "Taiwan reef"

Overview

The undescribed Lake Malawi cichlid Protomelas sp. ‘steveni taiwan reef’ develops a bright red anal fin in adult males. Its generally gentle disposition does not remove the need to accommodate large male territories, especially during breeding.

Distribution & habitat

Recorded from Taiwan Reef, Higga Reef, and Mbamba Bay Island, it stays around rocky reefs and island shorelines. It sometimes enters open water to feed on zooplankton. Males establish territories on flat rocks in deeper water.

Aquarium setup

Provide stable rock piles with caves and broad flat surfaces for male territories, using sand beneath. Retain accessible sand and movement routes rather than forcing fish through one shared refuge. Multiple males require far more space than a routine minimum setup.

Diet & feeding

Most foods are accepted. Include live and frozen items alongside prepared foods containing vegetable ingredients such as spirulina. Natural zooplankton feeding does not call for an exclusively plankton-based captive menu.

Behaviour & compatibility

Avoid boisterous mbuna communities. Other peaceful Lake Malawi fishes can be suitable, but male territorial competition makes one male with several females preferable. Keep similar species or forms apart when breeding because hybridization is possible.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger and more colorful, with extended dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins and a vivid red anal fin at maturity.

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder, it is best bred in a dedicated aquarium. Starting with six to eight juveniles allows later selection of one male and several females. The male displays over a flat rock or excavated pit and excludes intruders; unwilling females need escape routes. Eggs are fertilized before the female gathers them.

Brooding lasts about three weeks without feeding. Disturbance can cause premature release or loss, so move females carefully only when needed. Released free-swimming young can immediately take Artemia nauplii or microworms.