Easy to intermediate
Chocolate Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
£13.99
Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. 'Steveni Taiwan') — a vivid blue, yellow and orange Lake Malawi hap that makes a real centrepiece in an African cichlid display. Moderate care, semi-aggressive, reaches around 20 cm. Order online with tracked UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Protomelas sp. Taiwan reef
Taiwan Reef Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. 'Steveni Taiwan') — a vivid blue, yellow and orange Lake Malawi hap that makes a real centrepiece in an African cichlid display. Moderate care, semi-aggressive, reaches around 20 cm. Order online with tracked UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. 'Steveni Taiwan') is one of the most striking showpiece haplochromines you can keep from Lake Malawi. It combines electric blue across the face and front body with yellow, orange and metallic highlights, all in a single fish, which is why it is a favourite among keepers building a high-impact Malawi display. As a Lake Malawi cichlid, it comes from hard, alkaline water, reaches around 20 cm as an adult, lives up to 10 years with good care, and is best described as moderate care with a semi-aggressive temperament. It offers bold colour without the relentless aggression of some rock-dwelling mbuna, which is exactly why this African cichlid is so popular for a dedicated UK Malawi aquarium.
If you are searching tropical fish for sale UK wide and want a true centrepiece freshwater fish, the Steveni Taiwan rewards the effort. You can buy fish online from us and have it shipped as healthy, conditioned livestock, which is a very different experience from picking up an unknown specimen on impulse.
For aquarists comparing options when they buy tropical fish UK wide, the Steveni Taiwan sits in a useful middle ground: more dramatic than many community tropical fish UK keepers start with, yet manageable when stocked correctly. It is not one of the usual tropical fish for beginners in a small starter tank, but a stable Malawi setup is straightforward to run once established, so confident keepers ready to move beyond a basic community aquarium tend to enjoy it. If you want a genuine centrepiece with colour, movement and personality — rather than a generic shop fish — this is a rewarding choice for a large freshwater aquarium.
The Steveni Taiwan belongs to the diverse African cichlid family, one of the most behaviourally interesting groups in the aquarium hobby. Protomelas species are haplochromine cichlids of Lake Malawi, known for active swimming, strong breeding displays and vivid adult male colouration. In the hobby, Taiwan Reef forms are especially valued because they deliver the classic Malawi look many keepers want in a feature tank. For wider husbandry background on the group, see our cichlid care guide.
The Taiwan Reef Cichlid is associated with Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the most famous freshwater lakes in the world for cichlid diversity. In the wild, related Protomelas species inhabit rocky and intermediate zones where open swimming water meets stone structure. That mix matters in the aquarium because it explains why this fish wants both territory and room to cruise. Long-term success comes from understanding the natural setting behind the colour, not just the colour itself.
Lake Malawi is mineral-rich, clear and alkaline, which is why hard, alkaline water conditions are so important in captivity. The fish are adapted to stable chemistry rather than soft, acidic community conditions. In nature, they feed opportunistically on small invertebrates, zooplankton, algae films and edible particles picked from rock surfaces and open water, so a balanced omnivorous diet works better than an overly meaty one in the home aquarium.
This is a large open-water hap, not a nano species, a shrimp-tank fish or a pond fish. When choosing between a Steveni Taiwan and an alternative species, think in terms of other large Malawi haps and peacocks rather than tetras or bettas. Origin and water chemistry matter far more than where you happen to shop — a fish matched to the right tank will always settle better than one bought on price alone. For UK keepers wanting a standout Malawi fish, this species brings the look of a reef-associated Malawi cichlid without the extreme aggression management some mbuna demand.
Mimicking the natural habitat with open swimming lanes, stacked rockwork, bright oxygen-rich water and a sandy base improves confidence, colour and courtship behaviour. The closer your layout feels to a Lake Malawi shoreline, the better your Steveni Taiwan usually looks.
The best Taiwan Reef Cichlid Malawi tank setup starts with space. The accepted Taiwan Reef Cichlid minimum tank size is 300 litres, but that is a true minimum for a carefully planned group. A more comfortable Taiwan Reef Cichlid tank size for an adult male with several females is 375-450 litres, especially if you want to include other haps or peacocks. Because this species can reach 20 cm and produces a solid bioload, cramped tanks lead to stress, chasing and poor colour.
For one male and 3-4 females, aim for a footprint with strong horizontal swimming space. This is a fish that uses the middle region and benefits from room to turn, display and retreat. A Steveni Taiwan is not a fish for a tiny starter aquarium — only choose it if you can provide the volume and filtration a large Malawi cichlid needs.
The correct Taiwan Reef Cichlid ideal temperature is 24-28°C, with 25-26°C being a practical everyday target. Keep the Taiwan Reef Cichlid temperature stable rather than letting it swing. Good Taiwan Reef Cichlid hard water care means maintaining pH 7.5-8.5 and hardness between 10 and 20 dGH. Sudden drops in pH or mineral content often lead to stress, clamped fins and a reduced feeding response.
Use oversized filtration. A canister filter or large external unit rated above the tank volume is ideal because Malawi cichlids are messy feeders and need high oxygen levels. Strong turnover helps remove waste and keeps suspended debris low. Pair the filter with regular weekly water changes of 30-50%. Budget for filtration before decorative extras, because clean, well-oxygenated water is the single biggest factor in keeping this species healthy.
Fine sand or smooth aragonite-style substrate works well. Sand reflects light, supports the Malawi look and allows natural digging behaviour. Build secure rock piles with caves and visual barriers, but leave open water in front of and above the structure. This species is not an ideal centrepiece for a planted aquarium, because many cichlids dig and may uproot soft plants. If you want greenery, use tough species attached to decor rather than rooted stems, and keep rockwork stable — never balance rocks directly on loose substrate.
Moderate lighting is enough. Too much light in a bare tank can make fish nervous, while balanced lighting over pale sand and dark rock helps adult males show stronger blue and yellow contrast. A simple 8-10 hour photoperiod works well.
Always cycle the aquarium for 4-6 weeks before adding Malawi cichlids. A mature biofilter is essential because a newly set up tank can struggle with the waste load from larger haps, even when the water looks crystal clear.
When planning a mixed display, many keepers pair Steveni Taiwan with fish such as the Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara Sp. or the Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock for contrast. More assertive mbuna such as the Hongi Cichlid - Labidochromis Sp. Hongi, Maingano Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Cyaneorhabdos and Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus need more caution because their rock-focused territorial behaviour can increase stress in haps.
The correct Taiwan Reef Cichlid diet is omnivorous, with quality cichlid pellets as the staple and frozen foods used as supplements rather than the whole menu. In nature, these fish pick at varied food sources, so the best Taiwan Reef Cichlid feeding routine includes both protein and plant-based ingredients. A balanced menu supports colour, growth, fertility and digestive health.
Feed a high-quality Malawi or omnivore cichlid pellet once or twice daily. Look for formulas with fish meal, krill, spirulina and added vitamins. This gives a reliable nutritional base and reduces the risk of deficiencies. Generic fish foods are often too fatty or too low in fibre for African cichlids, so species-appropriate pellets are worth prioritising.
Offer frozen brine shrimp, mysis or daphnia a few times per week. These foods encourage a strong feeding response and help condition adults. Use them in moderation, especially with large males that can become greedy. It is worth having food ready before your fish arrives so it can settle quickly into a routine.
Treats should be occasional. Avoid mammalian meats and very rich foods, which can contribute to digestive upset in Malawi cichlids. Also avoid overusing bloodworm with adult Malawi cichlids if your stock is prone to bloating issues.
Adult Steveni Taiwan do well on two small meals a day. Juveniles can have smaller, more frequent feeds. Offer only what they clear in 30-60 seconds. The goal is a full but not swollen belly and no excess food on the substrate.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Quality Malawi cichlid pellets | Small portion eaten within 1 minute |
| Evening | Pellets or frozen brine shrimp/mysis | Light feed, no leftovers |
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, cloudy water and long-term stress. Malawi cichlids often beg even when they do not need more food, so judge portions by body condition and water quality, not by how enthusiastically they rush the glass.
Feeding is one of the biggest success factors in any Taiwan Reef Cichlid care guide. Good diet supports colour and breeding, while poor diet often shows up as faded fish, stringy waste or bloat — another reason this species suits keepers ready to move beyond the most basic setup.
The Steveni Taiwan is popular because adult males look spectacular under the right conditions. A mature male usually develops a blue face and front body, with yellow to orange across the dorsal area and flanks, often with darker patterning that adds depth rather than flattening the colour. The body is elongated and athletic, with a strong dorsal fin and a classic hap profile built for open-water movement. At full size, expect around 20 cm, though some dominant males can appear even larger because of finnage and posture.
Females and juveniles are far less colourful, usually showing silvery, grey or muted brown tones with subtle patterning. This difference is useful when identifying Taiwan Reef Cichlid male and female fish. If you are choosing a Taiwan Reef Cichlid breeding pair or group, expect the male to be the obvious show fish while females remain understated. Good diet, stable water and low stress are what bring out the best adult colour.
Kept over pale sand with dark rockwork and fed a varied omnivorous diet, this fish achieves intense contrast — a major reason it remains a favourite among aquarists who want a centrepiece African cichlid rather than a generic community fish.
The key to choosing Taiwan Reef Cichlid compatible fish is selecting species that can handle hard alkaline water and the confident, semi-aggressive nature of a large hap. This is not a true community fish in the same sense as tetras, rasboras or peaceful dwarf cichlids, so a Taiwan Reef Cichlid community tank is really a Malawi community rather than a mixed tropical assortment.
The best tank mates for Taiwan Reef Cichlid are other medium to large Malawi haps and many peacocks. Good examples include the Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara Sp. and the Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock, both of which offer compatible water needs and a similar display-focused role. The Rusty Cichlid - Iodotropheus Sprengerae can work in larger aquariums if the overall stocking plan is calm and balanced, while the Anomalochromis Thomasi - African Butterfly Cichlid is better appreciated in a separate softer-water setup rather than with Malawi haps.
Some keepers also consider the Hongi Cichlid - Labidochromis Sp. Hongi, Maingano Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Cyaneorhabdos or Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus, but these mbuna are more rock-territorial and can be too pushy for a calm hap display unless the tank is large and carefully structured. The Kiriza Yellow Cichlid - Tropheus Moorii should also be treated as a separate project, because Tanganyikan Tropheus have different social and dietary demands.
Avoid delicate fish, long-finned species and small community staples. Bettas (Siamese fighting fish), tetras and other peaceful soft-water community fish do not belong with a Steveni Taiwan, and ornamental shrimp are a poor match because this is not a shrimp-safe cichlid. This species may also view very small fry or tiny fish as food.
For a 375-450 litre tank, one male Steveni Taiwan with 3-4 females plus a small group of similarly sized peacocks can work well. In larger tanks, mixed hap displays become easier because line-of-sight breaks reduce pressure. The species is not a schooling fish, so its social structure is about harem arrangement — one male with multiple females — rather than shoaling.
Snails may survive, but ornamental shrimp are usually not safe. This is not a shrimp-safe cichlid, and it is definitely not suited to a planted nano community.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara Sp. | ✅ Yes | Similar water needs and display style; good in larger Malawi tanks |
| Rusty Cichlid - Iodotropheus Sprengerae | ⚠️ Caution | Can work in spacious tanks, but monitor temperament balance |
| Betta splendens | ❌ Avoid | Soft-water, long-finned species unsuitable for Malawi aggression and chemistry |
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a Malawi display. Even healthy-looking cichlids can carry parasites, and introducing disease into a large stocked tank is much harder to fix than preventing it in the first place.
Whether you are weighing up Taiwan Reef Cichlid tank mates or planning a Taiwan Reef Cichlid for a community tank, the rule is simple: choose robust fish with matching water chemistry and similar body size. That is the difference between a stable display and a stressful one.
Taiwan Reef Cichlid breeding is usually classed as moderate. Like many Malawi haps, this fish is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the fertilised eggs and then the fry in her mouth until they are ready to swim freely. For keepers wanting to move beyond display fish and into behaviour, breeding is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping this species.
The best approach is one mature male with 3-4 females in a spacious tank with stable hard alkaline water. This ratio spreads male attention and reduces stress on any single female. A dedicated breeding setup of 300 litres or more works well, though many spawns also happen in established display tanks. When identifying a Taiwan Reef Cichlid male and female, wait until the male colours up strongly and the females show a fuller body shape.
The male will intensify in colour, claim a display area and shimmy or circle to attract females. He may dig a shallow pit or use a flat rock as a spawning site. Once eggs are laid and fertilised, the female gathers them into her mouth. She may then stop eating, or eat very little, for around 18-28 days depending on temperature and individual condition.
Malawi cichlids are mouthbrooders, so fry are raised from broods the female has carried rather than shipped as eggs. Once released, fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, crushed cichlid fry food and fine prepared foods several times daily.
The biggest problems are male harassment, females swallowing the brood under stress, and predation on released fry in community tanks. Some breeders strip females artificially, but that is an advanced technique and not essential for most hobbyists. A separate rearing tank often gives the best survival rate.
Condition the breeding group with varied pellets and frozen foods, then perform larger, clean water changes to mimic fresh seasonal conditions. Many Malawi haps respond strongly to excellent water quality and a slight increase in feeding variety before spawning.
Comparing similar Malawi fish helps you choose the right centrepiece for your tank. The Steveni Taiwan is often considered alongside the peacock cichlid and other colourful haps such as the red peacock cichlid and red empress cichlid. If you want a fish with strong blue-and-yellow contrast, open-water presence and a classic hap body shape, it is an excellent option. If you want a slightly smaller, often more manageable display fish, a peacock may suit you better.
| Feature | Steveni Taiwan | Red Peacock Cichlid |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 20 cm | 13-15 cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 24-28°C | 24-28°C |
| Best For | Large Malawi hap display | Mixed peacock aquarium |
| Feature | Steveni Taiwan | Hongi Cichlid |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | More territorial |
| Tank Style | Open water plus rockwork | Heavier rockwork focus |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore/herbivore leaning |
| Best For | Hap and peacock displays | Mbuna-style setups |
| Visual Impact | Blue/yellow reef contrast | Blue/orange rock cichlid look |
Choose the Steveni Taiwan if you want a larger, more commanding fish than many peacocks, but do not want the constant rock-territorial intensity of some mbuna. Choose a peacock if your tank is smaller or you prefer a slightly gentler stocking plan. Choose mbuna only if you are deliberately building a more aggressive, rock-dense Malawi system. Experienced keepers usually separate their plans into peacock tanks, hap tanks and mbuna tanks rather than mixing everything at random — the Steveni Taiwan shines brightest when chosen for the right project. Many hobbyists weighing up the best place to buy tropical fish online settle on a specialist precisely because a correctly matched hap, peacock or mbuna selection makes the difference between a stable display and a stressful one.
A healthy Steveni Taiwan is alert, active in the midwater, responsive at feeding time and shows clear eyes, open fins and steady breathing. Colour varies by sex and hierarchy, but even females should look clean and composed rather than dark, pinched or isolated. Good health starts with excellent water quality and stable mineral content.
The most common issues are Malawi bloat linked to poor diet or stress, external parasites introduced by new fish, bacterial infections after fighting damage, and general decline caused by poor water quality. Fish kept too warm, too soft or too crowded often show the first signs through reduced appetite and clamped fins. From a health perspective, the safest fish to buy is always one from a source that quarantines and stabilises stock properly before dispatch.
Prevention is better than treatment. Keep nitrate under control with large weekly water changes, feed sensibly, avoid incompatible tank mates and quarantine all new arrivals. If disease appears, move affected fish to a separate treatment tank where possible. Salt support, improved aeration and species-appropriate medications can help, but always identify the likely cause first. Random medication in the display tank often creates more problems than it solves.
Never use copper-based medications in tanks that contain invertebrates. Copper is lethal to shrimp and can also complicate mixed-system treatment plans if you run separate aquariums for other species.
When comparing where to buy, husbandry standards matter far more than location. A properly quarantined fish from a specialist is a safer purchase than a stressed fish from a casual source.
The Steveni Taiwan is an active, observant fish that spends much of its time in the middle water column, patrolling open areas and checking rock boundaries. Males are territorial, especially when mature or in breeding condition, but they are usually more display-oriented than relentlessly combative if the tank is large enough. Females are calmer and often move as a loose group around the layout.
This species is not a shoaling fish in the tetra sense, so its social needs are about structure rather than school size. The ideal arrangement is one male with several females. In cramped tanks the dominant male may overfocus on subordinates, but in a proper setup you will see more natural cruising, flaring and courtship.
One of the most enjoyable behaviours is the male display posture: fins extended, colours intensified and body angled toward rivals or females. Keepers who provide open sand, secure rockwork and consistent feeding usually see the strongest personality — one reason the species appeals to aquarists who want more interaction than most beginner community fish can offer.
For a fish like the Steveni Taiwan, quality at the point of sale matters. A colourful Malawi hap can look ordinary when stressed and exceptional when properly conditioned, so we focus on stable holding, accurate identification and sensible preparation for UK aquariums. Our Taiwan Reef Cichlids are selected for body shape, health and developing colour potential, not just for being available on a stock list — so you can buy fish livestock online with confidence rather than gamble on unknown origin or weak conditioning.
Before dispatch, fish are observed, feeding response is checked, and stock is held in clean, hard alkaline water suited to Malawi species, which helps them transition smoothly into a UK cichlid setup. Fish are packed in insulated boxes, with heat packs in winter when needed, and sent using tracked delivery designed for live aquatic livestock — a major difference between specialist shipping and cut-price listings where the headline figure tells you nothing about handling quality. When you buy aquarium fish online UK wide, that conditioning and packing is what protects the fish in transit, so live fish for sale UK through a specialist arrives in far better shape than livestock moved on price alone.
For a moderate-care Malawi cichlid, the best supplier is the one who can tell you the water parameters, feeding routine and compatibility plan before the fish arrives — and who sends live fish direct to your door as conditioned, ready-to-acclimatise stock. Order your Steveni Taiwan today if you want a genuine show fish for a properly planned African cichlid aquarium.
To build a balanced Malawi display, consider adding the Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara Sp. for a smaller but equally eye-catching companion, or the Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock for extra colour variety in the upper visual range of the tank. If you want a contrasting mbuna accent in a larger setup, the Rusty Cichlid - Iodotropheus Sprengerae is often one of the calmer options. For keepers exploring more assertive rock-dwellers, the Hongi Cichlid - Labidochromis Sp. Hongi and Maingano Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Cyaneorhabdos are popular alternatives. Whatever you add, always check water chemistry and temperament compatibility before mixing species in a Malawi aquarium.
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