Protomelas spilonotus
Protomelas spilonotus
📍 Lake Malawi — Tanzania (Mbamba Bay, Lundo Island)
About Protomelas spilonotus
Protomelas spilonotus is a spectacular haplochromine cichlid from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Dominant males display brilliant electric-blue body coloration contrasting with dark vertical barring — among the most vibrant colorations in the entire Malawi cichlid hobby. Found at deeper rock-face habitats along the Tanzanian coast.
Care Notes
Requires hard, alkaline water typical of Lake Malawi. Maintain high water quality with frequent water changes (25–30% weekly). Provide rocky décor with plenty of open swimming space. Best kept in a ratio of one male to two or more females to distribute aggression. Males will spar with similarly colored species — avoid housing with other electric-blue Haps. Feed a balanced diet of cichlid pellets and spirulina-based foods. Maternal mouthbrooder — females hold eggs/fry in their mouth for 3–4 weeks.