malawi

Protomelas Steveni Tajwan Higga Reef F1

🐟 Protomelas steveni “Taiwan / Higga Reef” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult size: 14–18 cm (5.5–7 inches)

Males grow larger, longer, and more intensely colored than females

Females remain smaller and silver-grey

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa

Naturally occurs at Higga Reef

The name “Taiwan” refers to a trade/breeder line name, not a different species

Habitat:

Intermediate zones between rocky reefs and sandy bottoms

Shallow to mid-depth water

Often found near scattered rocks rather than dense Mbuna reefs

“Higga Reef” is a true geographic locality. “Taiwan” indicates a well-established captive line, not a hybrid.

🎨 Appearance

Adult males:

Bright metallic blue head

Yellow to orange body

Dark vertical barring on the flanks

Dorsal fin often edged in orange or red

Females & juveniles:

Silver-grey to beige

Faint vertical barring

Color intensity depends on dominance, diet, and tank conditions

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Omnivorous benthic feeder

Feeds on:

Small crustaceans

Insect larvae

Organic matter and microfauna near sand and rocks

In the aquarium:

High-quality Malawi Hap / Peacock pellets

Frozen foods:

Mysis shrimp

Brine shrimp

Krill (moderate amounts)

Occasional vegetable matter is beneficial

⚠️ Avoid strict herbivore diets and excessive fatty foods.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Moderately peaceful Hap

Territorial mainly during breeding

Far calmer than Mbuna, but more assertive than many Aulonocara

Best kept:

In Hap / Peacock community tanks

With species such as Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Otopharynx, Placidochromis

Not suitable with aggressive Mbuna (Melanochromis, Metriaclima, Cynotilapia)

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

Tank size: Minimum 350–400 L (90–105 gallons)

pH: 7.8–8.6

Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Substrate: Fine sand

Décor: Open swimming space with some rock structures

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Protomelas steveni
Locality Higga Reef
Trade Name Taiwan
Group Haplochromine (Non-Mbuna)
Adult Size 14–18 cm (5.5–7 in)
Origin Lake Malawi
Diet Omnivorous, invertebrates
Temperament Moderately peaceful
Best Setup Hap / Peacock community