{"product_id":"red-empress-cichlid-protomelas-taeniolatus-1-5-2-inch","title":"Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus) – 1.5–2 Inch","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRed Empress Cichlid – 1.5 to 2 Inch\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Lake Malawi African Cichlids | Protomelas taeniolatus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRed Empress cichlids are striking Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids known for their attractive coloration as they mature. These are young fish approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long. Juvenile coloration and individual appearance may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFish Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protomelas taeniolatus (Red Empress)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–2 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose 2 or 4 fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSex:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not guaranteed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhotos:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please refer to listing photos for examples; individual fish may differ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRed Empress Cichlid Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Africa.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6–7 inches; males may grow larger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum aquarium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons for adults; provide generous swimming space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76–82°F (24–28°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.8–8.6; maintain stable, alkaline, mineral-rich water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quality African cichlid pellets with varied, moderate protein sources; avoid overfeeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally less aggressive than many Malawi cichlids, but males may become territorial. Keep with appropriately sized, compatible Lake Malawi species; avoid tiny community fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSetup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong filtration, open swimming space, rock shelters, and regular water changes. Acclimate carefully upon arrival.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProfessional Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe ship live fish \u003cstrong\u003eMONDAYS ONLY\u003c\/strong\u003e. Orders placed by the Sunday-night cutoff ship Monday; orders after cutoff ship the following Monday. Fish are packed in oxygen-filled bags in insulated shipping boxes, with temperature protection as needed. Tracking is provided when the label is created. Postal transit is generally 1–3 days after shipment, subject to carrier conditions. Automated delivery estimates may not reflect our Monday shipping schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee – DOA Policy\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo request a Dead on Arrival (DOA) review, provide \u003cstrong\u003eclear photographs of the deceased fish inside the original, unopened shipping bag within ONE HOUR OF THE FIRST DELIVERY ATTEMPT\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the shipping label visible. Do not open or discard the bag before documenting the claim. Approved DOA claims receive a refund for affected livestock only. Original shipping charges are non-refundable. Returns of live fish are not accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eArrange to receive the shipment promptly and acclimate new fish carefully. Red Empress are African cichlids requiring appropriate water conditions, aquarium space, and compatible tankmates. Buyers are responsible for checking local laws concerning live fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD\u0026amp;G FARMS LLC \/ TILAPIA STORE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver 50 years of fishkeeping and breeding experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tilapia Store","offers":[{"title":"2 Fish","offer_id":49331181682871,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 Fish","offer_id":49331181715639,"sku":null,"price":48.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1429\/2668\/files\/empressred.png?v=1791723756","url":"https:\/\/tilapiastore.com\/products\/red-empress-cichlid-protomelas-taeniolatus-1-5-2-inch","provider":"Tilapia Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}