Albino Red Empress (Protomelas Taeniolatus Albino)

Max Size: 7"

Description:

The Albino Red Empress is a stunning and unique cichlid fish that is native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It is a selectively bred form of the Red Empress cichlid, and is known for its striking white body with red eyes and fins. Albino Red Empress cichlids are known for their hardy nature and lively behavior, making them a popular choice for aquarists of all skill levels.

Aquarium Size and Conditions:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 50 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks being more suitable for adults.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
  • pH: 7.8-8.6.
  • Hardness: 10-20 dH.
  • Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes of 20-30% should be performed weekly.

Feeding Recommendations:

Albino Red Empress cichlids are omnivores. Their diet should comprise high-quality flake food, pellets, and a mix of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp. It's advisable to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day.

Additional Notes:

• Behavior: While Albino Red Empress cichlids are generally peaceful, they can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards their own kind. It's recommended to house them in a large enough tank with ample hiding spots in the form of caves and rocks. Albino Red Empress cichlids are also relatively active fish, so it's important to provide them with plenty of space to swim.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-filtered aquarium is crucial to maintain water quality for Albino Red Empress cichlids. Regular water testing is advised to ensure parameters remain within the recommended range. Offering a varied diet ensures the fish receive all necessary nutrients. Observing the fish for any signs of illness or stress is essential for their well-being.

Compatibility:

Albino Red Empress cichlids can be kept with other Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with Mbuna cichlids, as these fish are more aggressive. Other good tank mates for Albino Red Empress cichlids include Synodontis catfish and other non-cichlid fish from Lake Malawi.