Albino Taiwan Reef
Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan"
Albino Taiwan Reef is an albino form of the popular Taiwan Reef hap, offering a pale high-contrast look in a fish with a larger Malawi hap profile. It is best suited to roomy peacock and hap aquariums with stable hard water and compatible tank mates.
Origin and Habitat
-
Native Region: Albino aquarium form from Lake Malawi Taiwan Reef stock.
-
Natural Habitat: Malawi rocky and intermediate habitat style setup.
Physical Characteristics
-
Size: 7-8 inches.
-
Coloration: Albino Taiwan Reef coloration with pale body tones; mature males usually show the strongest display color and presence.
-
Body Shape: Medium-large hap body with an active swimming profile.
Behavior and Temperament
-
Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
-
Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and sturdy peacocks.
Aquarium Care
-
Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
-
Water Parameters: pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
-
Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room, sand, rockwork for cover and sight breaks, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
-
Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
-
Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may defend a preferred area. 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 robust peacocks.
-
Avoid: Small fish, delicate community fish, and overly aggressive cichlids in cramped tanks.
Conservation Status
Populations of Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" are listed by CARES as a priority species with an Endangered classification. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.
