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Protomelas sp. "steveni taiwan" Systematics Taxonomy of the Lake Malawi haplochromines was revised in the late 1980's and many species assigned to the genus Haplochromis were placed in new genera (Eccles and Trewavas 1989). Many Protomelas species imported during the late 1980's-1990's have been termed "steveni". Subsequent observation suggests many of these are geographical variants of P. taeniolatus such as this species imported in the late 1980's (Konings 1995). Protomelas sp. "steveni taiwan" may be a separate species given the resemblance to another undescribed species, P. sp. "steveni imperial", which has sympatric occurrence with a species considered a geographical variant of P. taeniolatus (Konings 1995). P. sp. "steveni taiwan" is also commonly known as Protomelas sp. "taiwan reef" and Protomelas fenestratus "taiwan reef" though Konings (1995) does not consider this species synonymous with P. fenestratus.
Natural Habitat P. sp. "steveni taiwan" is thought to have limited distribution on the eastern shore of Lake Malawi, and has been found at Taiwan Reef (Mozambique), Mbamba Bay Island (Tanzania), and Higga Reef (Tanzania) (Konings 1995). Adult males are reported to defend territories on top of rocks at depths greater than 20 m (Konings 1995). This species is probably omnivorous with a diet consisting of algae and small invertebrates.
Captive Maintenance P. sp. "steveni taiwan" are relatively undemanding cichlids to maintain. The coloration of adult males is a striking combination of a white dorsal band and blaze on the head, blue face, blue and orange on the body, and a red anal fin margin. Adult females and fry are silver with black vertical and horizontal bars. An aquarium of at least 200 L (55 gallons) will be required to house adults, though fry and juveniles may be maintained in smaller aquaria. This species may be kept in pairs as males are only moderately aggressive, but are probably best kept in small groups of multiple males and females. The dominant male will tolerate other males, though they will not be as colored as the dominant male. Maturity is reached at approximately 75 mm (3 inches). Fecundity generally varies with size and spawns will range from 15-60. Hatching occurs in approximately seven days at 80 F, and fry are free swimming by day 20. Fry will readily accept crushed flake and hatched artemia. The striking male coloration combined with a relatively mild disposition will ensure P. sp. "steveni taiwan" remains a hobbyist favorite.
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Jason Selong is the creator of http://www.bigskycichlids.com/ |
