|
|
|
Protomelas marginatus is living in areas with vegetation in shallow water. They can be found on several spread locations in the entire lake. There are existing some color variations of this species, two of them are described as a subspecies namely Protomelas marginatus marginatus from the south-eastern part of the lake and Protomelas marginatus vuae from the northern half. The variant shown here can be found in the neighbourhood of Chizumulu Island. The males of these species can grow to about 14 cm in the lake. In the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 16 cm, females grow to about 12 cm. Protomelas marginatus is a quiet, peaceful cichlid which can be hold best with multiple females in a large tank with a lot of swimming space. Mbunas are generally too aggresive for this species. In the lake they are feeding with rests of plants and algae which they find on the vegetation. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
|