OB Super Red Empress/ OB FireHap

OB Super Red Empress / OB Fire Hap

Protomelas taeniolatus

OB Super Red Empress / OB Fire Hap is an aquarium line-bred OB form of the Red Empress type, selected for bold blotched patterning and strong adult male color. It is a showy Lake Malawi hap for larger aquariums with compatible peacocks and haps.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Aquarium line-bred OB strain from Lake Malawi stock.
• Natural Habitat: Sediment-free rocky habitat for the Red Empress type.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 8-9 inches.
• Coloration: OB blotched patterning with red-orange and blue display potential in mature males; individual patterning varies.
• Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body with an active swimming profile.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks in a spacious aquarium.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are preferred for adult males.
• Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide open swimming space, rockwork for cover, and strong filtration. Broken sightlines help manage male display behavior.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may defend preferred areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and sturdy peacocks.
• Avoid: Very aggressive mbuna, small fish, and delicate community species.