Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan")

Taiwan Reef Cichlid (Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan")

Quarantined specialty cichlid for carefully planned freshwater aquariums in Canada.

The Taiwan Reef Cichlid is one of the most recognizable Lake Malawi hap cichlids, admired for mature male colour that can combine blue, yellow and red-orange tones. It is often searched under several trade names, making the accepted hobby designation Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" important for accurate discovery.

Why This Cichlid Stands Out

• High-colour mature male Lake Malawi display cichlid
• Strong keyword recognition as Taiwan Reef / Steveni Taiwan
• Excellent focal fish for a spacious Malawi hap or peacock setup

Aquarium Setup & Behaviour

Provide a spacious Malawi aquarium with hard water stability, open swimming space, sand and carefully arranged rock shelter. Mix only with appropriately matched African cichlids.

Show males may be territorial, especially around breeding behaviour. Plan space and stocking carefully rather than mixing with timid community fish.

Feeding

Feed quality Malawi cichlid pellets with varied but controlled supplementation; avoid overfeeding and maintain strong filtration.

Natural Colour & Livestock Integrity

The show-male colour is real, naturally expressed adult coloration. Topick Aquarium does not add hormones to force artificial colour enhancement.

Topick Aquarium Livestock Standard

All fish at Topick Aquarium are carefully quarantined and conditioned to our stable local tap water before sale. Although this species may originate from water with different natural parameters, we prioritize stable aquarium systems, gradual acclimation, species-appropriate diet, and healthy long-term condition before fish become available to customers.

Care Summary

• Scientific Name: Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan"
• Origin: Lake Malawi
• Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Taiwan Reef listed as Protomelas sp. rather than Protomelas steveni?
The fish is widely sold under several trade names and is commonly treated in the hobby as the undescribed form Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan".

Will juvenile Taiwan Reef cichlids immediately show full male colour?
No. Strong adult male coloration develops with maturity, health, social setting and stable care.

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