Tangerine Tiger Cichlid: Protomelas Taeniolatus (Likoma Is.) Full Guide

General Description

The Tangerine Tiger Cichlid is a bigger Haplochromis from Lake Malawi, Africa.  Protomelas Taeniolatus Likoma Is. is native to the waters surrounding Likoma Island.

Males can grow to reach about 12 inches in length. However, they are normally 8 or 9 inches in length in an aquarium. There is a general preference for males of this species, which are attractive to aquarium keepers due to their brilliant colours.. They have blue heads, red/orange dorsal, anal, and tail fins. Their  bodies are yellow with vertical black stripes on the sides and back.

Brief Summary

Scientific Name:  Protomelas Taeniolatus (Likoma Is.)

Common Name: Tangerine Tiger Cichlid

Max Size: 9.0″/23 cm

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Water Temperature: 78 – 82°F/26-28°C

pH: 7.8 to 8.6

Water Hardness: Hard

Diet: Herbivore

Min. Tank Size: 90 Gal/341 L

 

Compatibility

Tangerine Tiger Cichlids are semi-aggressive. It gives them the opportunity to live in the same tank with Haps, Peacocks, and Mbuna. They are also mildly aggressive.

Tangerine Tiger males will exhibit increased levels of aggression toward to other males and closely related species during the time when they are spawning.

The Red Top Lawanda Cichlid, the Venustus, and the Red Fin Borleyi cichlid are examples of African cichlids that are compatible with one another.

 

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid Tank Requirements

A male Tangerine Tiger Cichlid in a home aquarium can grow to be up to 9 inches in length. It is important that the tank has a large enough size to accommodate the size of these fish. So, the minimum tank size needs to be a 90 Gal/341 L.

It is the best to have sand or fine gravel in a tank. Additionally, there should be numerous rocks which can be claimed by the fish for security, as well as several other cave systems to establish territories within.

The water should be hard with a temperature between approximately 78 to 82°F and a pH between 7.8 to 8.6. Tangerine Tiger Cichlids will benefit from the use of additives. They are Cichlid Lake Salt and Malawi/Victoria Buffer, which will condition the aquarium water.

Tiger Cichlid Feeding

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid a herbivorous member of the Likoma Island fish community, and should be fed high-vegetable-matter foods.

A diet that contains commercially available food sources, such as pellets and flakes that are supplemented with spirulina, is appropriate for a healthy balanced diet.

 

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid Breeding

A sexually dimorphic fish, the Tangerine Tiger Cichlid is distinguished by the fact that males are bright blue, yellow, and orange in colour, while females are silverish-grey with vertical black stripes. In addition, males will grow to be significantly larger than females.

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid s are mouthbrooders. It means that after spawning, the female will carry the eggs and fry in her mouth to keep them safe until they are ready to be released.

It is best to have one male and several females presented in a home aquarium to ensure that all of the females receive the male’s full attention.

A female will take the eggs after they have been laid and keep them in her mouth for up to three weeks or longer.

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid will spawn with other Protomelas species that are closely related to them. It is recommended that this fish not be kept with Taiwan Reef cichlids, Super Red Empress cichlids, or any other closely related Haplochromis from Lake Malawi if you do not want hybridization to occur.

 

Conclusion

Tangerine Tiger Cichlid s are beautiful creatures, whish could be a great addition to your home. They are simple to breed and simple to care for. Their bright colour will bring your aquarium a bit of charm and will cheer you up.