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Basics

Scientific Name: Protomelas taeniolatus

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Africa

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan: 5-10 years
• Water Conditions: 75-79°F, pH 7.5-8.5
• Maximum Size: 8"-9", 12" recorded in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Overview

The Tangerine Tiger Cichlid is large Haplochromis species that is sexually dimorphic. Males grow much larger and have bronze colored bodies covered in numerous thick black bands. Their heads are a rich blue coloration. Females, by contrast, are silver or pale grey in hue with some black banding and stay relatively small. 

The tank should have a sand or fine gravel substrate and rocks should be arranged into a multitude of caves for hiding or for establishing territories. They are not very aggressive and can be kept with a variety of semi-aggressive cichlids, including other haps, less aggressive Mbuna, and peacocks. They can be housed in a group with one male and multiple females. They are mouthbrooders and will spawn in captivity. 

They should be fed vegetable matter in the form of pellets and high quality flakes that include plenty of algae.