Fenestratus

About

Fenestratus (Protomelas fenestratus) is a cichlid from the rocky northern shores and southwest arm of Lake Malawi, where it has developed a genuinely unusual feeding strategy: it blows jets of water at sediment-covered rocks, then picks through whatever invertebrates and food particles are revealed. In the aquarium this carnivorous habit means a varied diet of meaty foods will keep it in good condition. Males develop rich coloration when breeding, and while the species is generally calm compared to the boisterous mbuna community, males get firmly territorial during spawning and should ideally be kept with several females to spread their attention. Good tankmates include Aulonocara and Copadichromis, though related species like P. taeniolatus or Protomelas sp. 'steveni taiwan reef' should never be mixed in, as hybridization is a real risk. Breeding is achievable with a harem setup and flat rock or open sand as spawning sites, making this a worthwhile project for keepers ready to take it on. Fenestratus is a maternal mouthbrooder, with the female carrying eggs for roughly three weeks. Adults can be pricey, so many keepers start with a group of juveniles and grow them on. Overall this is a manageable and rewarding species for someone wanting their first taste of Malawi haplochromines.