malawi

Protomelas Tiger Nkanda F1

🐟 Protomelas sp. “Tiger – Nkanda” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult size: 15–18 cm (6–7 inches)

Males grow larger, longer, and more colorful than females

Females remain smaller and more subdued

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa

Naturally occurs around Nkanda Island

Habitat:

Intermediate zones (sand–rock transition areas)

Sandy bottoms with scattered rocks

Shallow to mid-depth waters

“Tiger” refers to the natural barred/striped pattern of this Nkanda population. It is a true locality fish, not a hybrid.

🎨 Appearance

Adult males:

Metallic blue head

Yellow to golden body

Strong dark vertical bars creating a “tiger-like” pattern

Dorsal fin often edged with yellow or orange

Females & juveniles:

Silver-grey to beige

Faint vertical barring

Pattern intensity increases with dominance and maturity

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Omnivorous benthic feeder

Feeds on:

Small crustaceans

Insect larvae

Zooplankton

Organic matter over sand and rocks

In the aquarium:

High-quality Malawi Hap / Peacock pellets

Frozen foods:

Mysis shrimp

Brine shrimp

Krill (moderate amounts)

Occasional spirulina-based food is beneficial

⚠️ Avoid strict herbivore diets and excessive fatty foods.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Moderately peaceful Hap

Calm outside breeding periods

Males establish display territories rather than constant aggression

Best kept:

In Hap / Peacock community tanks

With species such as Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Otopharynx, Placidochromis, other Protomelas

❌ Not suitable with aggressive Mbuna

🏞️ 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 scattered rock structures

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Protomelas sp.
Trade Name Tiger
Locality Nkanda Island
Group Haplochromine (Non-Mbuna)
Adult Size 15–18 cm (6–7 in)
Origin Lake Malawi
Diet Omnivorous (invertebrates & pellets)
Temperament Moderately peaceful
Best Setup Hap / Peacock community

⚠️ Final Compatibility Note

Protomelas “Tiger” Nkanda fits perfectly with:

Protomelas steveni

Protomelas johnstoni

Protomelas “Red Empress”

Otopharynx lithobates

Copadichromis borleyi

Aulonocara species

❌ It should not be mixed with:

Melanochromis

Metriaclima

Cynotilapia (Mbuna)