Wave-washed upper rocky habitat with large boulders
and caves.
Forms foraging groups in mid-water about one meter away
from the substrate, usually within the upper few meters.
Geographic distribution:
Eastern coast of Lake Malawi (Tanzania),
between Njambe and Mbamba Bay, south of the Ruhuhu River.
Typical adult size:
Males up to about 18 cm total length
(in aquaria occasionally exceeding 22 cm);
females up to about 14 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:
Males larger and show breeding coloration even when
not actively spawning.
Females remain silvery-white with black blotches and stripes
and lack flank coloration.
Aquarium setup:
Large aquarium with ample open swimming space and
substantial rocky structures providing caves.
Maintain pH 7.0–8.5 and temperature 23–28 °C.
Keep only one adult male per tank.
Diet:
Carnivorous.
Feeds on insects and other items floating in the water column,
including pieces of aufwuchs washed from rocks by turbulence.
Breeding:
Males defend sites on or beside large boulders.
Spawning not directly observed but likely takes place
inside caves, as in other members of the
P. spilonotus group.
Aggression:
Males territorial, especially in captivity;
generally less aggressive than some rock-dwelling
Protomelas species.
Special notes:
Distinguished by a mid-lateral band consisting of
two elongate blotches.
Closely related to Protomelas spilonotus
but separated geographically by the Ruhuhu River.
Historically collected for the aquarium trade,
though established in captivity.
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