LAKE MALAWI CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes ( Perciformes )
Family Cichlidae ( Cichlidae )
Subfamily ( Pseudocrenilabrinae )
Continued…
Genus Protomelas.
— Protomelas labridens [Trewavas, 1935] — Protomelas labridens molluscivore. Synonyms: Cyrtocara, Haplochromis labridens. 10-12 cm. Differs from other species by a small mouth and strong pharyngeal jaw bones that allow it to crush snail shells. Males in breeding coloration are distinguished by a blue body reflection and an orange margin on the anal fin. Females and juveniles feature a dark, continuous, longitudinal stripe on the body.
— Protomelas ornatus [Regan, 1922] — Protomelas ornatus. Synonyms: Cyrtocara ornata, Haplochromis festivus, Eclectochromis, Haplochromis ornatus, Haplochromis lobochilus. Lake Malawi. 18 cm. Representatives of this species have enlarged lips, more pointed and laterally compressed than in Placidochromis milomo, as well as a laterally flattened body. Such unique attributes help these cichlids extract their prey from almost any narrow space (crevices, cracks, slits), even horizontal ones.
The main distinguishing feature of the species is the presence of dark spots in the upper part of the body (on the back) in their coloration, which almost merge with the dark vertical stripes on the body, and these stripes are clearly visible. It has a large number of geographical variants (races), the main difference of which is the yellow coloration of the belly area: in some geo-variants, the yellow color covers the entire lower part of the body, in others — only a part of it. Piscivorous predators.
— Protomelas similis [Regan, 1922] — Protomelas similis. Synonyms: Cyrtocara, Haplochromis similis. 15 cm, in the aquarium 8-12 cm. They have a small mouth and a very recognizable head shape with an upturned mouth. A beautiful species, especially during the breeding season. The base coloration consists of a continuous dark longitudinal stripe, which is clearly visible outside the spawning period, as well as vertical body markings that are very faint. A second horizontal stripe located between the median stripe and the base of the dorsal fin may also be noticeable in the coloration.
Males are colored in a primary glossy blue with red speckles on the body and fins. They have yellow marginal stripes on the dorsal and anal fins, as well as a large number of egg-spots on the anal fin. The breeding coloration of males turns almost blue with iridescent blue scales, and a reddish patch appears behind the gill covers. Females and juveniles are less colorful, with two black longitudinal stripes.
They are quite peaceful. Large flat stones are placed along the back and side walls in the form of pyramids, creating many caves connected by passages. These shelters are necessary for the fish, as they like to spend part of their time in caves. Thanks to the large number of stones, the fish do not dig pits even during spawning, but spawn directly onto the stones. In the same stones after spawning, the female with eggs in her mouth can easily hide from the male’s continued courtship. Substrate with a thick layer of sand without sharp edges. Aeration, filtration, water changes. dH 8-25°; pH 7.2-8.2; T 23-28°C.
— Protomelas spilonotus [Trewavas, 1935] — Protomelas spilonotus. Synonyms: Haplochromis ovatus, spilonotus. (English: Sulfur Head Haplochromis). Lake Malawi. 20 cm. The occipital part of the males’ head is colored yellow; in one of the geographical variants, this same part of the head is colored whitish-blue. Males are larger than females and more intensely colored, whereas females are silvery-gray. Fry are silvery with a black stripe.
This fish is peaceful for its size. They like to dig in the substrate; a large number of caves is required. Weekly water changes and efficient filtration are mandatory. Spawning-ready males defend their spawning territories located in caves. They can be aggressive towards females during this time. Juveniles grow very quickly.
Protomelas “Steveni Taiwan”, Protomelas taeniolatus, Protomelas virgatus.
Protomelas annectens, fenestratus, insignis, kirkii. 
Last changes and additions made on September 17, 2012.
