Protomelas

[marcio]

Hi there Pam,

i have 3 Protomelas that i´ve bought as red empress, i could finally notice that one of them is a male and i´d like to have your help to know what Protomelas he is if its a ornatus, similis, spilonatus, steveni or a taeniolatus.


2 of them when they were very juvies


juvie closer


the male changing, getting pointed fins




the female, at the time the male started to change


the male about 8 / 8,5 cm



I appreciate your help!

thanks in advance

[Pam Chin]

Hi Marcio,

I believe that is Protomelas similis, as it is known as the "red empress. The other option would be Protomelas taeniolatus, as there are many in this group and they are all just a little different. But based on the juvenile markings I will guess similis.

Nice fish! I really like them and they have great color!!