Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan")

Electric Blue & Blazing Orange — A Lake Malawi Masterpiece

The Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. “Steveni Taiwan”) is one of the rarest and most visually dramatic Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids available. Named after its collection locality at Taiwan Reef in Lake Malawi, this species is prized among serious African cichlid enthusiasts for the extraordinary intensity and clarity of its colouration — a striking electric blue body contrasted with blazing orange-red on the dorsal fin, upper body, and face. Few freshwater fish command attention the way a dominant male Taiwan Reef does.

Overview

Appearance

Males display a vivid electric blue body with blazing orange-red to crimson colouration concentrated on the dorsal fin, upper flanks, and face — a contrast that is among the most dramatic in the cichlid world. The Taiwan Reef locality form is particularly sought after for the sharpness and saturation of this colour division. Under good aquarium lighting, the blue iridescence shifts and shimmers with every movement. Females are silver-grey with faint markings, typical of Lake Malawi haplochromines. Males develop their full colouration as they mature and establish dominance.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (76 – 82°F)
• pH: 7.8 – 8.5
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: 280 L (75 gallons) minimum
• Substrate: Sand preferred; mimics the natural Lake Malawi rocky shoreline environment
• Decor: Rock formations for territory and shelter, with open swimming space in the mid and upper water column

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets
• Treats: Frozen brine shrimp, krill, and daphnia
• Colour enhancement: Astaxanthin or krill-based colour-enhancing foods help maintain and intensify the electric blue and orange-red colouration

Feed 2–3 times daily. Avoid high-protein mammal-based foods — stick to fish and crustacean-based proteins.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

• Best kept with other Lake Malawi haplochromine and Peacock cichlids of similar size and temperament
• Avoid highly aggressive Mbuna species that may stress or outcompete them
• Keep one male Taiwan Reef per tank to prevent territorial conflict
• Can be kept with females or a harem in larger setups

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooders. After spawning, females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks. Provide flat rocks or open sandy areas as spawning sites. Remove the female to a separate tank if she is being harassed during incubation.

The Taiwan Reef Cichlid is a rare and spectacular fish — bold, vivid, and commanding. A true collector’s showpiece for any serious African cichlid aquarium.