{"product_id":"ornatus-thick-lips-cichlid-protomelas-ornatus","title":"Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid - Protomelas Ornatus","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"410\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"444\"\u003eOrnatus Thick Lips Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"466\"\u003eProtomelas ornatus\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"818\" data-end=\"1184\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1200\"\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/strong\u003e – Moderate\u003cbr data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1214\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1229\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e – Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding\u003cbr data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1276\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e – Commonly 5–6 inches in captivity (up to 10 inches possible in large systems or wild)\u003cbr data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1387\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e – 75 gallons+\u003cbr data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1404\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1419\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e – 76°F to 82°F\u003cbr data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1437\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e – Omnivore (high-quality cichlid pellets, krill, spirulina, and frozen foods)\u003cbr data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1526\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1532\"\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e – 7.6 to 8.4\u003cbr data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1548\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1548\" data-end=\"1554\"\u003eGH\u003c\/strong\u003e – 10–18 dGH\u003cbr data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1569\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1575\"\u003eKH\u003c\/strong\u003e – 6–12 dKH\u003cbr data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1589\"\u003e💎 The Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid offers striking color, strong presence, and a unique lip structure that makes it a standout in any Malawi display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1812\"\u003eThis listing is for 1 Ornatus Thick Lips Cichlid – \u003cem data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1811\"\u003eProtomelas ornatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e*\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"3\" - 4\" \/ Female","offer_id":47017335357662,"sku":"","price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3\" - 4\" \/ Male","offer_id":47017357869278,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo.png?v=1741200651","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/ornatus-thick-lips-cichlid-protomelas-ornatus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}