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.
