Protomelas ornatus 7 - (Protomelas ornatus) — 7-9cm

Overview

The freshwater fish UK Protomelas ornatus is a striking Lake Malawi cichlid with vivid color, active behavior, and rewarding mouthbrooding breeding habits. Available for sale UK through Tropical Fish Co, this attractive hap cichlid thrives in hard, alkaline water and brings bold color, personality, and energy to well-maintained Malawi biotope tanks.

Appearance

Protomelas ornatus reaches up to 7–9 cm in length and displays a robust, laterally compressed body with vibrant coloration. Males develop intense blue, yellow, or multicolored patterns with bold markings, while females are generally paler. The fins are well-developed, and the overall appearance is striking and attractive, especially when the fish is well-conditioned and displaying.

Natural Habitat

This species is native to Lake Malawi, East Africa, where it inhabits rocky shorelines and intermediate zones with sandy patches, rubble, and boulders. In the wild, P. ornatus feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and organic matter. These environments are characterized by hard, alkaline water, high oxygen saturation, and stable conditions.

Aquarium Setup

Provide a spacious aquarium of at least 200 litres with plenty of swimming space and suitable rockwork to create territories and visual interest. Use a sand or fine gravel substrate and arrange décor to provide open areas and hiding places. Strong filtration and excellent water quality are essential. Moderate to bright lighting suits this species well.

Water Parameters

Maintain hard, alkaline water between 24–26°C with a pH of 7.5–8.5. Regular partial water changes (30–50% weekly) and excellent filtration are essential to keep water pristine and stable. This species is sensitive to poor water quality and parameter fluctuations, requiring consistent maintenance. Use cichlid salts or buffer to maintain appropriate hardness and pH if necessary.

Feeding

Protomelas ornatus is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet based on quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein foods such as mysis or brine shrimp. Avoid fatty foods and overfeeding. Feed once or twice daily, and remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Behaviour

This cichlid is semi-aggressive, active, and territorial, especially males during breeding. Males display and defend territories, and may show aggression toward conspecifics and similar-looking species. Females are generally less aggressive but may become defensive when brooding. P. ornatus is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs and fry in their mouths after spawning.

Tank Mates

Ideal companions include other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament, and peaceful, sturdy Synodontis species in appropriately sized tanks. Avoid small community fish, very aggressive large cichlids, fin-nipping species, and delicate or slow-moving fish. Choose tankmates that appreciate similar hard, alkaline conditions.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooder; males display and defend territories, and females incubate eggs in the mouth for several weeks. Provide multiple females per male and suitable rockwork or open spawning areas. Females carry eggs and fry in their mouths for 3–4 weeks. Fry are released when free-swimming and can be fed baby brine shrimp and finely crushed foods.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co UK, we supply healthy, acclimated Protomelas ornatus cichlids carefully selected for size, coloration, and vitality. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and conditioned before dispatch, ensuring you receive a robust, striking specimen ready to thrive in your aquarium. With expert care advice, secure packaging, and a commitment to quality, we make adding this beautiful Lake Malawi cichlid to your collection straightforward and rewarding. Order today.