Easy
Spindle Hap Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
£13.99
A Tanzania trade/locality form of Protomelas spilonotus for larger Lake Malawi hap aquariums, with strong colour and semi-aggressive cichlid behaviour.
African CichlidsCichlidsDisplay FishFishFreshwaterModerate CareSemi-Aggressive
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Protomelas spilonotus
Max Adult Size
up to 22 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH
Minimum Tank
350L
Diet
Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Protomelas spilonotus
Blue Orange Insignis Cichlid (Protomelas spilonotus 'Tanzania')
Moderate Care
Semi-Aggressive
£19.99
Multi-Buy Pricing
— save up to 20%Save when buying multiple fish. Each quantity is one fish; sex and pair formation are not guaranteed unless the selected variant explicitly states them.
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Selected fish
£19.99
Live arrival guaranteed. Full refund or replacement if they don’t arrive healthy. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.
A Tanzania trade/locality form of Protomelas spilonotus for larger Lake Malawi hap aquariums, with strong colour and semi-aggressive cichlid behaviour.
African CichlidsCichlidsDisplay FishFishFreshwaterModerate CareSemi-Aggressive
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Protomelas spilonotus
Max Adult Size
up to 22 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH
Minimum Tank
350L
Diet
Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning
Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.
14 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal8.5
Water Hardness
10–20 dGH
10 dGHIdeal20 dGH
Blue Orange Insignis Cichlid overview
Blue Orange Insignis Cichlid is sold here as Protomelas spilonotus 'Tanzania', a Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid trade/locality form. The common Insignis wording can be confused with Protomelas insignis, so the scientific anchor and Tanzania form are kept visible for clarity.
Quick facts
| Adult size | FishBase lists P. spilonotus to 16.7 cm TL; Tanzania males are often planned around 18 cm in aquaria |
|---|---|
| Minimum aquarium | 350 litres or more for adult male display and harem planning |
| Water | 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline Lake Malawi conditions |
| Diet | Omnivore/invertivore; quality cichlid pellets and frozen foods |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive hap; not for soft-water community tanks |
Care notes
Use a large, well-filtered Malawi layout with rocks, caves and open swimming space. Keep one male with several females where possible, or plan a compatible hap/peacock display with enough room to manage colour and territory.
Ordering from Tropical Fish Co
Livestock is packed for delivery by a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the policy conditions are followed.
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