Red Empress Cichlid Protomelas taeniolatus

Red Empress Cichlid male
Red Empress Cichlid
Red Empress Cichlid
The Red Empress Cichlid, also called the Spindle Hap (after Haplochromine cichlids) is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The "red empress" is a misnomer, since only the breeding male has the red (and blue) tail after which it is named. He also has a metallic gold body and metallic blue head.
Spindle Hap Cichlid female
Spindle Hap Cichlid
Spindle Hap Cichlid
The female is pearly white with black markings, more befitting of the alternative name of Spindle Hap.
Red Empress Cichlid male
Red Empress Cichlid with Giraffe Hap
Spindle Hap male
They can grow to 11cm long. Males are territorial when breeding but peaceful at other times.
Spindle Hap with black head syndrome
Red Empress Cichlid female
Spindle Hap male
The Spindle Hap above left has "black head syndrome" caused by stress or trauma. It may be transitory or may be long term.