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Protomelas virgatus is living in intermediate zones from rocks to sand in the southern part of the lake, mostly in reasonable shallow water. This is a species with some color variants which can be found on several places in this part of the lake. This variant can be found near Kanchedza. The males of these species can grow to about 16 cm in the lake. In the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 18 cm, females grow to about 12 cm. Protomelas virgatus "Kanchedza" is a cichlid which can be hold best with multiple females and other peaceful species in a large tank with a lot of swimming space and hiding places. It's possible to keep them together with peaceful mbunas but it's necessary there's enough space for them. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae which they find on the rocks. 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. 
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