Imperial Tigress

Description

Native to Lake Malawi, the Imperial Tigress Cichlid, Protomelas Steveni Imperial, captivates with its vivid orange and yellow hues complemented by intricate black striping and spotting across its body and fins. Reaching a maximum size of 7 inches, these cichlids are a perfect centerpiece for any medium to large aquarium. They thrive in water temperatures between 75-82°F with a pH of 7.8-8.6 and hardness of 10-20 dH. Known for their tranquil demeanor, Imperial Tigress cichlids are typically peaceful but may display territorial behaviors with conspecifics. It’s advisable to house them in a species-specific setup or with other similar-sized Malawi cichlids to minimize conflict. These omnivores benefit from a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Regular water changes and a well-filtered tank are essential to maintain optimal health and water quality.