Taiwan Reef Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" Taiwan Reef is a classic Lake Malawi hap from the Taiwan Reef locality, valued for strong adult male color and a showy but manageable presence in larger peacock and hap aquariums. It is best kept with compatible Malawi cichlids and enough room for males to display. Origin and Habitat Native Region: Taiwan Reef, Lake Malawi. Natural Habitat: Sediment-free rocky habitat. Physical Characteristics Size: 8-9 inches. Coloration: Mature males develop stronger display color; females and juveniles are more subdued. Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body suited for active swimming around rocky structure. Behavior and Temperament Temperament: Mildly aggressive. Social Behavior: Works well with similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks when space and sight breaks are provided. 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 space, rockwork for structure and cover, and strong filtration. 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 claim 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 sturdy peacocks. Avoid: Small fish, delicate community species, and very aggressive mbuna that may harass or outcompete them. 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.
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