Protomelas spilonotus
Protomelas spilonotus was first described by Ethelwynn Trewavas in 1935. This species does not have a widely recognized common name. In the aquarium hobby, it is often referred to by its scientific name or occasionally as the “Sulfur Head Haplochromis.”
The genus name Protomelas is derived from Greek, with “protos” meaning “the first” and “melas” meaning “black”, referring to the fish’s original melanin pattern. The species name Spilonotus is derived from the Greek words “spilos” (spot) and “notus” (back), likely referring to the five black spots at the base of the dorsal fin.
Synonyms: Haplochromis spilonotus, Cyrtocara spilonotus.
Description
Protomelas spilonotus is a cichlid known for its moderately high-backed body shape. Males of this species are strikingly blue, with blue fins, while females exhibit a more subdued color that ranges from light to dark gray with transparent fins. A distinctive feature of this fish is the clearly visible continuous longitudinal stripe along its flanks, accompanied by about ten prominent transverse stripes. The heads of males often display a yellow to white-blue hue, enhancing their striking appearance. In English, some variants are commonly referred to as Sulphur Heads. This species can grow to a length of 15 to 18 centimeters.
Differences between Males and Females
There are clear physical differences between males and females of Protomelas spilonotus. Males are not only larger, but also more colorful than females. The dorsal and anal fins of males are pointed, while those of females are rounded. Behaviorally, males are territorial and can be aggressive during the mating season.
Behavior and Temperament
Protomelas spilonotus is generally a territorial fish, especially the males, which maintain small territories. They are not particularly aggressive towards other species, but can be quite aggressive within their own species. These fish are usually solitary or live in small groups and are not shy. They are primarily found in the mid-water layers, near sediment-free rocky environments.
Biotope
Geographical Distribution
Protomelas spilonotus is endemic to Lake Malawi, located in East Africa. This lake stretches across the countries of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Within these countries, they are specifically found in the northern and southern parts of Lake Malawi.
Habitat
This species lives in Lake Malawi, one of the great African lakes. Their natural habitat consists of sediment-free, rocky environments, often near steeply sloping shores. They are usually found in shallow water, rarely deeper than 5 meters. There is little underwater vegetation in their habitat, which is typical for the rocky biotopes of Lake Malawi.
Soil/Substrate
The bottom of their habitat consists mainly of rocks and stones, without much sediment. This provides the fish with hiding places and territories to defend.
Natural Enemies and Food Chain
Protomelas spilonotus is a carnivorous fish that primarily feeds on invertebrates and insects that fall into the water. Although no specific natural predators have been documented for this species, larger predatory fish in the lake may pose a threat. As a hunter, Protomelas spilonotus plays a crucial role in the food chain, preying on smaller invertebrates.
Climate
Lake Malawi has a tropical climate. The tropical climate provides stable temperatures and water conditions throughout the year.
Diet
Diet in the Wild
In their natural habitat, Lake Malawi, Protomelas spilonotus is a carnivorous fish that feeds mainly on insects and invertebrates. They catch insects that fall into the water and also feed on other small invertebrates that they find in their rocky environment.
Food in the Aquarium
In an aquarium setting, Protomelas spilonotus is recognized as an easy feeder. They readily accept a wide variety of foods, including dry pellets, cyclops, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and shrimp mixes. Providing a diverse diet is essential to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Regular feeding with high-quality protein sources will contribute to their overall health and vibrant color development. It is also advisable to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods to encourage their natural hunting instincts.
The Aquarium
To successfully keep Protomelas spilonotus, it is recommended to have an aquarium of at least 600 liters. This size provides sufficient space for the fish to swim and establish their territory. If you plan to keep multiple pairs, a larger aquarium is necessary, ideally at least 200 centimeters in length. This will help minimize territorial disputes among the fish.
The Aquarium
The aquarium should be primarily decorated with rocks, as Protomelas spilonotus naturally inhabits a rocky environment. Make sure that the rocks are stacked high to create hiding places and territories. Plants are not necessary and can even be avoided, as these fish prefer a sediment-free environment. The best substrate for this species is sand, as it best mimics the natural habitat and allows the fish to dig without injuring themselves.
Water parameters
The ideal water parameters for Protomelas spilonotus in an aquarium are a temperature range of 22°C to 26°C, a pH value of 7.5 to 8.5, and a hardness of 10 to 16 dGH. These values simulate the natural conditions of Lake Malawi.
Suitable Tank Mates
Protomelas spilonotus can coexist with other robust Lake Malawi cichlids, such as species from the genera Champsochromis, Aristochromis, Dimidiochromis, Nimbochromis, and Buccochromis. It is important to avoid keeping them with more peaceful species, as Protomelas spilonotus can be quite territorial, especially during mating season.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
The Protomelas spilonotus can be successfully bred in a standard aquarium, provided the conditions are optimal. While it is not necessary to have a special breeding tank, using a separate tank with a capacity of at least 300 liters can help manage the breeding process and protect the fry from other tank inhabitants.
Water Quality and Lighting
Water quality should be excellent, with a temperature between 22°C and 26°C, a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, and a hardness of 10 to 15 dGH. Lighting does not need to be special, but a natural day-night cycle is recommended to stimulate the fish’s natural behavior.
Filter and Substrate
A good filtration system is essential to maintain high water quality, especially since Protomelas spilonotus is a relatively large and messy fish. A sandy substrate is ideal, as it mimics the natural habitat and allows the fish to dig without injuring themselves.
Conditioning the Fish
To condition the fish effectively, a diet rich in high-quality protein foods, such as live or frozen options like artemia and mysis, is recommended. This will help ensure the fish are in optimal condition for breeding.
Breeding strategy
It is not necessary to temporarily separate the males and females, but it can help the females recover and prepare for the next breeding round. In a breeding group, a ratio of one male to three to four females is ideal to minimize stress and aggression.
The Spawn
During spawning, the colors of the male Protomelas spilonotus become more intense. The males show a vivid blue color with a striking yellow to white-blue glow on the head, which makes them more attractive to the females.
Courting Ritual
The courtship ritual of Protomelas spilonotus is typical of cichlids. Males are territorial and attempt to attract females to their territory by displaying their vibrant colors and showcasing their elaborate fins. They can be aggressive in their efforts to gain the female’s attention. To entice her, they spread their fins wide and swim in front of her with trembling movements, trying to lure her to a selected spot for laying eggs.
Laying the Eggs
The Protomelas spilonotus is a mouthbrooder, meaning that females hold the eggs in their mouths after laying them. As soon as the female comes along, they look for the spot in the sand chosen by the male. They turn around each other here. When the female is ready, she lays one or a few eggs. They turn again and the male fertilizes the eggs. The female takes the eggs in her mouth. While turning, they lay all the eggs that the female picks up in her mouth.
Number and Characteristics of Eggs
A female can lay between 24 and 40 eggs per brood. The eggs are relatively large and are well protected in the female’s mouth until they hatch. The color of the eggs is usually off-white.
Raising the fry
The eggs of Protomelas spilonotus typically hatch within a few days. After hatching, the fry remain in the mother’s mouth until they are ready to swim independently, which usually occurs around 21 days after the eggs are laid. Once they are ready, the female releases the young fish to search for food.
In Protomelas spilonotus, the female assumes sole care of the young. She holds the young in her mouth for protection until they are large enough to survive on their own. Parental care by the mother may continue for several weeks after the young become free-swimming.
First food
Young fish should be fed fine live food, such as Artemia nauplii, which is essential for their growth and development. It’s important to feed them several times a day to ensure they receive enough nutrients. They can also eat finely crushed flake food, provided it is ground into a suitable size.
Growing larger numbers of Protomelas spilonotus
To increase the survival rate of Protomelas spilonotus fry, it is advisable to remove the female on day 18 of the breeding process and place her in a separate rearing tank. This step is crucial because the fry, which are currently brooding in the mother’s mouth, are about to become free-swimming. By removing the female at this point, the fry can be safely released without the risk of being preyed upon by other Malawi cichlids in the main tank.
Steps for raising the fry
- Remove the brooding female: On day 18, when the eggs are almost hatched, it is time to remove the female fish carefully. This can be done with a net, taking care to cause the fish as little stress as possible.
- Place in a grow-out tank: Place the captive female in a separate grow-out tank. This tank should be well-equipped with enough hiding places, such as rocks or plants, so that the young fish can feel safe once they are released.
- Releasing the fry: Once the female is comfortable in the new tank, she will release the young fish. This usually occurs within a few hours to a few days, depending on the mother’s stress levels and the environment.
- Reintroducing the female: Place the female back in the main aquarium. The young fish can now take care of themselves.
- Care for the Young Fish: After releasing the fry, it is important to feed them regularly with fine foods, such as baby brine shrimp or special food for young cichlids. Ensure optimal water quality by performing regular water changes and maintaining effective filtration.
By following these steps, aquarium keepers can significantly increase the survival rate of young Protomelas spilonotus, leading to successful breeding and a healthy aquarium population.
Particularities
Geographic Varieties
A peculiarity of Protomelas spilonotus is that there are several geographical varieties that differ in colour. These varieties occur in various locations around Lake Malawi, such as Chilumba, Ruarwe, the Nakantenga Islands, Monkey Bay, the Mbenji Islands, Chimwalani Reef, Nkhungu Reef, Nkhungu Point, Lumessi, Eccles Reef, Luwala Reef and Magunga Reef.
Size differences
In the wild, males of Protomelas spilonotus can reach a length of approximately 20 cm, whereas in a well-maintained aquarium, they can grow up to 25 cm. Females remain slightly smaller, with a maximum length of about 19 cm.
Behavior and Temperament
Although Protomelas spilonotus is a robust cichlid, it is known to be relatively peaceful for its size. However, they require ample swimming space, making a large aquarium essential. During mating season, males can be rough with females, but this usually does not cause serious harm.
Ease of breeding
The Protomelas spilonotus is relatively easy to breed in an aquarium environment. The females do take some time to become gravid, but once they are, they are ready to mate. Females can lay 24 to 40 eggs per brood, and the young are easily raised.
Feeding behavior
In the wild, Protomelas spilonotus feeds on insects and invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they are not picky and will accept a wide variety of prepared foods.
Conclusion
The Protomelas spilonotus is a stunning cichlid native to Lake Malawi, recognized for its vivid colors and relatively peaceful demeanor for its size. This species is best suited for experienced aquarists due to its specific requirements for space and water quality. They need a large aquarium with ample swimming space and rocky decor. While they are not particularly difficult to care for, it is important to monitor their territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season.
Keeping Protomelas spilonotus can be a rewarding experience due to their striking appearance and intriguing behavior. While they are relatively easy to breed, they do require patience due to their slow growth rate. It is essential to provide a varied diet and perform regular water changes to ensure their health. Overall, they make a valuable addition to a well-maintained cichlid aquarium.
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Author
John de Lange
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