Protomelas Similis

Protomelas similis

A graceful and peaceful Lake Malawi cichlid endemic to the shallow, vegetated areas of Lake Malawi in East Africa. Part of the diverse Protomelas genus (often grouped with other “haplochromines”), this species is appreciated for its elegant body shape, relatively calm temperament compared to many mbuna, and the subtle yet attractive coloration that males display. It makes an excellent choice for larger community tanks or Lake Malawi biotopes where its foraging behavior and mouthbrooding habits can be observed.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: 18 cm / ~7.1 inches TL.
• Appearance: Elongated, fusiform body typical of many open-water and vegetated-area Lake Malawi cichlids. Males are generally more colorful than females, often showing blue, yellow, or other vibrant hues depending on locality and mood, while females tend to be more subdued. The species name “similis” reflects its similarity to other Protomelas species.
• Fin Details: Dorsal spines 16–17, soft rays 9–11; anal spines 3, soft rays 8–10.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 75–125 gallons for a small group or community setup (larger is strongly recommended).
• Water Parameters: Warm tropical freshwater; 75–79°F (24–26°C), pH 7.5–8.5, moderate to hard. Excellent water quality with regular partial changes is essential. Provide a sandy substrate, rockwork, and some hardy plants or artificial vegetation to mimic its natural shallow, vegetated habitat while leaving open swimming space.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous/algae grazer — accepts high-quality spirulina-based flakes or pellets, algae wafers, and occasional blanched vegetables. Supplement with small amounts of frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia) for variety, but avoid overfeeding meaty items.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful for a Lake Malawi cichlid when kept in appropriately sized tanks with plenty of structure. Best kept in groups with other similarly sized, non-aggressive mbuna or haplochromines. Males can be territorial toward each other but are rarely overly aggressive. Mouthbrooder; females hold eggs and fry in their mouths for several weeks. Excellent for larger planted or rockwork-heavy Lake Malawi setups.

IUCN Status Least Concern (LC)