Our Guide To Keeping Taiwan Reef Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Protomelas sp. Steveni Taiwan
   • Common name: Taiwan Reef Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 12-15 cm
   • Lifespan: 5-8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Taiwan Reef Cichlids prefer a tank with plenty of open swimming space and rocky structures for hiding and territorial behavior.
   • Provide a sandy substrate and decorations like rocks and caves to mimic their natural habitat.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain water parameters with a pH of 7.8-8.6 and a water temperature between 23-27°C (73-81°F).
   • Keep the water well-aerated and perform regular water changes to maintain water quality.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use a powerful filtration system to maintain water quality, as Taiwan Reef Cichlids are messy eaters and produce a significant amount of waste.
   • Ensure good water flow to mimic their natural habitat conditions.

5. Diet:

   • Feed Taiwan Reef Cichlids a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans.
   • Supplement their diet with vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables.

6. Tank mates:

   • Compatible tank mates include other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament.
   • Avoid keeping them with smaller or more passive fish species that may become targets of aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Taiwan Reef Cichlids are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding periods.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers in the tank to reduce aggression and establish territories.