Haplochromis Spilonatus?

[four_by_ken]

I cant find much on these fish.  Does anyone have any info on them?  I picked one up in the last week.  The adult that I saw was beautiful.  Deep blue on the top and REAL yellow on the lower 1/3.  It was a solid 6" long.

The one I have is about 2" and showing a little bit of color.

I cant seem to find a picture of just what it looked like.

The attached picture is the closest I have been able to find... but kind of faded in the yellow compared to the adult that I saw.

[Regalblue]

Treat them like any other Protomelas

[four_by_ken]

Treat them like any other Protomelas

So, I should yell at it to grow faster and show more color?

[danielratti]

Yeah I have one that is 8 inches... Needless to say they are a little bit on the meaner side for a protomelas.

[four_by_ken]

Yeah I have one that is 8 inches... Needless to say they are a little bit on the meaner side for a protomelas.

Dont suppose you have a picture of yours, do you?

Its doing real well in my mixed tank so far. 

[four_by_ken]

The adult in the store looked a lot like this one... without the white.

[four_by_ken]

It had larger looking eyes also.

[danielratti]

I can tonight after work. Ive had mine close to 5 or 6 years now.

[four_by_ken]

I can tonight after work. Ive had mine close to 5 or 6 years now.

Cool, that would be great!

What size tank do you have it in?  With what kind of other fish?

[danielratti]

180 with other haps,peacocks,mbuna and a 7 stripe front.

[four_by_ken]

180 with other haps,peacocks,mbuna and a 7 stripe front.

Perfect.  Just what I wanted to hear.

[Regalblue]

http://www.malawimayhem.com/protomelas-specspilonotus-tanzania

Min Tank Size 75 Gallons

General Information Located between Njambe and Mbamba Bay. Found in the shallow, rocky habitat. Diet in the wild consists of aufwuchs and insects taken from the water column.

The aquarium should have some rockwork but still provide open swimming space both along the bottom and mid-tank region. Feed a quality cichlid flake/pellet food, supplement occasionally with frozen brine, krill or mysis.

[four_by_ken]

http://www.malawimayhem.com/protomelas-specspilonotus-tanzania

Min Tank Size 75 Gallons

General Information Located between Njambe and Mbamba Bay. Found in the shallow, rocky habitat. Diet in the wild consists of aufwuchs and insects taken from the water column.

The aquarium should have some rockwork but still provide open swimming space both along the bottom and mid-tank region. Feed a quality cichlid flake/pellet food, supplement occasionally with frozen brine, krill or mysis.

Thanks.  I sure hope I have a male!  Since it is already showing yellow... I think I am good.  Plus it was ruling the tank when I picked it out.

[Ron]

http://www.malawimayhem.com/protomelas-specspilonotus-tanzania

Min Tank Size 75 Gallons

That's min tank size for 3-5 years IMO. After that 6' would be better for a fish that gets 8"-9".

[four_by_ken]

http://www.malawimayhem.com/protomelas-specspilonotus-tanzania

Min Tank Size 75 Gallons

That's min tank size for 3-5 years IMO. After that 6' would be better for a fish that gets 8"-9".

I agree.  Glad he's in my 6 footer!