Protomelas ornatus
REGAN, 1922

	Photo © Michael Persson
Protomelas ornatus male.

Trade names and synonyms
Haplochromis flavimanus, Haplocromis festivus, Haplochromis lobochilus, Haplochromis ornatus, Cyrtocara ornatus, Cyrtocara "Maleri thick lip", Eclectochromis ornatus.

Size and appearance
Could reach a length of approx 25 cm (10 in.). Females and non coloured males are greyish-beige with an evident dark brown lateral line and an irregular squared pattern at the upper part of the body. Coloured males are mostly blue with greenish-blue cheeks and yellow belly. The dorsal fin has a distinct yellow and white seem, the anal and pelvic fins are yellow. This species has a characteristic laterally compressed shape. Adult specimens of both sexes have exceptionally enlarged and fleshy lips.

Food
In nature is Protomelas ornatus feeding on invertebrates and small fishes, preferably mbuna fry's. The enlarged fleshy lips are used to suck out the feed from crevices in rocks. In aquarium is shrimp mix an appropriate feed.

Aquarium
Should have a size of at least 400 litres (88 gal.), appointed with fine sand.

Habitat
Occurs in the intermediate zone and the rocky habitat in shallow water at depths between 1 and 10 metres (3-33 ft.).

Breeding
The male digs a spawning-pit in the sand in connection to a rock. Males that aren't sexually mature and females form schools.

General
Protomelas ornatus is a comparatively week in consideration to it's size and need company of other calm and peaceful cichlids to feel comfortable. Tank raised specimens don't get as thick and fleshy lips as adult wild caught specimens.

Distribution
Lakewide distribution, execpt the area around the Mbenji Islands.

	Photo © Michael Persson
A Protomelas ornatus male from Makanjila.