Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid - Protomelas Ornatus

The Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid (Protomelas ornatus) is a captivating and less commonly seen Haplochromine species from Lake Malawi. Known for its prominent, fleshy lips and sleek profile, this species displays rich metallic blues in mature males, often accented with golden hues across the body and fins—especially during breeding or displays. Females are silver-toned and elegant in their own right.

In the aquarium, Ornatus prefers open swimming space with scattered rockwork to establish territory. Though semi-aggressive by nature, they are generally peaceful with other non-similar Haps and make a great addition to a mixed Malawi setup. Males may show increased territorial behavior during breeding and should be housed with care around similar-looking species.

Difficulty – Moderate
Temperament – Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding
Size – Commonly 5–6 inches in captivity (up to 10 inches possible in large systems or wild)
Tank Size – 75 gallons+
Temperature – 76°F to 82°F
Diet – Omnivore (high-quality cichlid pellets, krill, spirulina, and frozen foods)
pH – 7.6 to 8.4
GH – 10–18 dGH
KH – 6–12 dKH
💎 The Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid offers striking color, strong presence, and a unique lip structure that makes it a standout in any Malawi display.

This listing is for 1 Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid – Protomelas ornatus*