Moderate
Spindle Hap Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
£13.99
A Lake Malawi Protomelas hap known in the hobby as Hertae, best treated as Protomelas sp. hertae for larger hard-water aquariums.
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. 'hertae'
Hertae Hap Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A Lake Malawi Protomelas hap known in the hobby as Hertae, best treated as Protomelas sp. hertae for larger hard-water aquariums.
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
Hertae Hap Cichlid is best listed as Protomelas sp. 'hertae', because specialist Malawi sources treat it as a hobby/trade form rather than a fully settled described species name. The old page over-claimed the taxonomy and carried generic tropical-fish wording; this version keeps the Lake Malawi hap care clear.
| Adult size | Plan around 18-20 cm for mature males |
|---|---|
| Minimum aquarium | 300 litres minimum; larger/longer tanks are better for male display |
| Water | 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline Lake Malawi water |
| Diet | Omnivore/invertivore; quality cichlid pellets and frozen foods |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive Lake Malawi hap; usually one male per aquarium |
Use sand, rock piles, caves and open swimming space. Specialist sources recommend only one male per aquarium and avoiding close Protomelas lookalikes that can confuse display, aggression and breeding plans.
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 · 200L
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