Super Red Empress / Fire Hap
Protomelas taeniolatus
The Super Red Empress / Fire Hap is a line-bred Lake Malawi hap selected for intense red-orange male color over the classic Red Empress body pattern. It is a showy, active cichlid that works best in larger Malawi aquariums with room for males to display.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Aquarium line-bred strain of the Namalenje variety from Lake Malawi stock.
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Natural Habitat: Sediment-free rocky habitat.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 8-9 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males show strong red-orange, blue, and metallic highlights; females and juveniles are usually more muted.
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Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body with a strong profile and active swimming style.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized haps and peacocks, often in all-male displays or spacious breeding setups.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are preferred for adult males and mixed hap communities.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide open swimming space with rockwork along the back or sides for cover and territory breaks. Use strong filtration and keep water quality stable.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males color up and display to females. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected from adult tank mates after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and peacocks.
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Avoid: Small fish, very aggressive mbuna, and oversized predators that may outcompete or injure them.
