Moderate
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.
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 spilonotus
Blue Orange Insignis Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A Tanzania trade/locality form of Protomelas spilonotus for larger Lake Malawi hap aquariums, with strong colour and semi-aggressive cichlid behaviour.
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
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.
| 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 |
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.
Livestock is packed for delivery by a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the policy conditions are followed.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L