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 Native Region: Aquarium line-bred strain of the Namalenje variety from Lake Malawi stock. Natural Habitat: Sediment-free rocky habitat. Physical Characteristics Size: 8-9 inches. Coloration: Mature males show strong red-orange, blue, and metallic highlights; females and juveniles are usually more muted. Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body with a strong profile and active swimming style. Behavior and Temperament Temperament: Mildly aggressive. Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized haps and peacocks, often in all-male displays or spacious breeding setups. Aquarium Care Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended; larger tanks are preferred for adult males and mixed hap communities. Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water. 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 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 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 Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and peacocks. Avoid: Small fish, very aggressive mbuna, and oversized predators that may outcompete or injure them.
