Though they may not be the most talked-about fish in the hobby of aquarium keeping, prostelas have a certain allure that is worth discovering. These little colorful fish are a wonderful addition to many freshwater aquariums because of their distinctive colors and lively habits. Having a basic understanding of prostelas can enhance your aquarium setup, regardless of your level of experience.
Prostelas are prized for their remarkable appearance and are native to a variety of freshwater habitats throughout South America. In a well-kept tank, they can truly stand out thanks to their vivid colors and intriguing patterns. They are a favorite among hobbyists trying to add some color to their aquatic environments because of their adaptability and comparatively low maintenance requirements.
Prostelas behavior is one of their most endearing features. These fish add a dynamic element to any aquarium because they are lively and interesting. They live in groups and are gregarious animals that give the tank movement and vitality. They also have a talent for interacting with their environment, which makes them entertaining to watch in their tank.
It’s important to understand the basic requirements of Prostelas, such as their ideal water conditions and tank mates, before adding them to your aquarium. Thankfully, they don’t require much maintenance, so you can take pleasure in their beauty without experiencing too much difficulty. Prostelas can flourish in the correct environment and add vibrancy and color to your aquatic landscape.
| Feature | Description |
| Common Name | Prostelas |
| Type | Aquarium Fish |
| Origin | Freshwater lakes and rivers |
| Size | Varies by species, generally small to medium |
| Appearance | Colorful, with patterns or stripes |
| Tank Requirements | Well-planted tank with hiding spots |
| Water Conditions | Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, moderate temperature |
| Diet | Omnivorous, accepts flake food, pellets, and live food |
| Behavior | Active, peaceful, and social |
| Compatibility | Compatible with other peaceful fish |
Habitat
A unique species found only in Lake Malawi on the African continent. They inhabit the entire lake, holding the coastal region with its rocky shoreline and sandy bottom in place. They are propelled by tiny zooplankton and algae that grows on stones in their natural habitat.
Description
Body type typical of most cichlid species. Compared to females, males wear more colorful clothing. Their head is blue, and their body is painted a vivid orange-red. There is a pattern of red and blue dots and veins on the fins; this pattern may vary among the species because different color forms inhabit different parts of the lake. Young people and females are considerably paler; their color is primarily silvery, occasionally with an orange tinge on the sides.
Feeding
All varieties of dry, live, and frozen products are accepted by Protomelas. The primary requirement is that plant-based additives must be included in a varied diet. The ideal combination is either live food in the form of bloodworms or mosquito larvae, or spirulina flakes combined with flakes and/or granules containing protein components. There is food formulated specifically for African cichlids that comes with everything they need. Feed in an amount that will be consumed in five minutes, two to three times a day.
Successful maintenance is largely determined by the size of the tank; the least troublesome will be an aquarium of 300 liters or more for 3-4 fish. The design uses a sandy substrate with several flat stones scattered randomly along the bottom. A pile of rocks with vertical stones reaching the surface imitates a rocky shore. Should be placed near one of the walls of the aquarium to preserve space for swimming. Provide several shelters in the form of gorges or grottoes during the construction of stone/rock structures. Several groups of plants of the genus Vallisneria can be used as decoration, but their rapid growth should not be allowed.
The main difficulty is the need to recreate the composition of the water characteristic of Lake Malawi. It is in the range from medium to high hardness (dH indicator) and has a slightly alkaline pH. More details about the parameters of pH and dH, methods of changing them in the section "Hydrochemical composition of water".
High quality and purity of water is maintained by weekly renewal of 10-20% of the total volume and cleaning the soil with a siphon from organic waste (food leftovers, excrement). The installation of a high-performance filter is of key importance, in this case you should not save money, it serves as a guarantor of the stability of the entire biosystem of the aquarium. Other important equipment is an aerator, a heater and a lighting system. Depending on the needs, the list can be expanded.
Behavior
Being a reasonably calm species, it gets along well with fish like the Golden Leopard and Livingston’s cichlids. Maintaining an aggressive Mbuna species is unacceptable. The foundation of intraspecific relationships is a group consisting of multiple females and one dominant male. It is impossible to keep men together because they are incompatible. Aquariums with a capacity of 600 liters are an exception, as they provide ample room for a pair of male fish with harems.
Breeding / Reproduction
"Red Empress" successfully produces offspring in a home aquarium, provided that the water quality is adequate. During the mating season, the male chooses a place for the future nest, it can be either a flat stone or just a place on the bottom, which he carefully cleans of debris. Then he induces the females to follow him to the improvised nest. The female lays 40 to 50 eggs, which she immediately takes into her mouth – this is a unique evolutionary mechanism for protecting future generations, characteristic of most cichlids. All this time, the male is next to his chosen one, on his anal fin there is a special pattern of dots, resembling eggs in shape and color. The female mistakenly tries to collect these "virtual" eggs in her mouth, at this moment the male releases the seed and fertilization occurs.
During the entire incubation period (from 21 to 28 days), the eggs are in the mouth of the female, the instinct to protect the offspring remains even after the fry appear. For some time they are next to their mother and in case of danger are hidden in her mouth.
Prostelas are essential for establishing a lively and healthy aquarium environment. In addition to being entertaining to watch, these resilient, adaptive fish contribute to keeping the ecosystem in your tank in balance. Their presence can enhance the overall health of your aquatic environment, which is why both beginning and seasoned fishkeepers find them to be popular.
The comparatively low maintenance required of prostelas is one of their main advantages in an aquarium. They are renowned for their resilience and can adapt well to a variety of water conditions. They are therefore a fantastic addition if you want to give your tank some life without having to make frequent adjustments or give it extra attention.
Additionally, prostelas’ distinctive colors and patterns make them visually appealing. They can give your tank more movement and intrigue by introducing a dynamic element. It can be entertaining and calming to watch them interact with their surroundings and other tank mates.
In conclusion, prostelas are a great option for any aquarium enthusiast because they provide an amazing balance of beauty, adaptability, and low maintenance. Their unquestionable contribution to the wellbeing and enjoyment of your aquatic setup guarantees that they will remain a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts for many years to come.
Prostelas are an intriguing class of aquarium plants that are well-liked by hobbyists seeking to add variety to their tanks because of their unusual appearance and adaptability. Because of their unique forms and vivid colors, these plants not only improve the aesthetics of your aquarium but also improve the water quality and provide shelter for the aquatic life. In your aquarium, knowing how to take care of Prostelas can help you create a vibrant aquatic ecosystem and an eye-catching display.
