PEACOCK CICHLIDS

AULONOCARA OR PEACOCK GROUP


Peacock Cichlids, belonging to the genus Aulonocara, are among the most dazzling freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Their vibrant colors—ranging from electric blues and fiery reds to golden yellows—make them stand out in any tank. Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, these cichlids are known for their relatively peaceful nature, making them ideal for aquarists looking to create a Lake Malawi Biotope setup.

Origins and Natural Habitat

Peacock Cichlids originate from Lake Malawi, one of the largest and most biologically diverse freshwater lakes in the world. This vast African lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, rocky shorelines, and high alkalinity. The natural environment of these fish consists of rocky caves and sandy substrates, where they establish territories and search for food.

Unlike their Mbuna cichlid relatives, which are rock-dwelling algae grazers, Aulonocara species are bottom-dwelling hunters, using specialized sensory pores to detect invertebrates in the sand.

The water chemistry of Lake Malawi is a critical factor in maintaining healthy Peacock Cichlids in captivity. The lake's water is hard and alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.5 to 9.0 and a temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C). To replicate these conditions in an aquarium, aquarists should use crushed coral or aragonite sand as a substrate, which helps maintain alkalinity and water hardness.

Sexual Dimorphism and Behavior

One of the most striking features of Aulonocara species is their strong sexual dimorphism. Males exhibit vivid, iridescent colors, while females are typically dull brown or gray. This difference in coloration is not only a defense mechanism for females—allowing them to blend into their surroundings—but also a display strategy for males, who use their colors to attract mates and establish dominance.

Unlike many cichlids, Peacock Cichlids are less aggressive, making them excellent choices for community cichlid tanks. However, they are still territorial, especially during breeding. To reduce aggression, it is recommended to keep one male with multiple females or provide ample space and hiding spots.

Breeding and Mouthbrooding Behavior

Peacock Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning that females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until the fry are ready to swim freely. The breeding process begins when a female lays eggs on a flat rock or sandy substrate, after which she picks them up in her mouth. The male, displaying egg spots on his anal fin, entices the female to his vent area, where he releases sperm to fertilize the eggs inside her mouth.

The female incubates the eggs for about 21-28 days, protecting them from predators until they hatch. Once the fry are released, they can be fed finely crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or micro worms. The mother may continue to shelter them in her mouth if she senses danger.

Tank Setup and Care

To ensure Peacock Cichlids thrive, a well-maintained tank mimicking their natural habitat is essential. The ideal setup includes:

  • Tank Size: At least 40 gallons for a small group (larger for multiple males).
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel to allow natural foraging behavior.
  • Filtration: Strong biological filtration to handle cichlid waste.
  • Aquascaping: Rocks and caves for territory formation and hiding spots.
  • Tank Mates: Other non-aggressive cichlids, such as Haplochromis species or Lake Tanganyika Rainbowfish.

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, Peacock Cichlids feed on small invertebrates, making them micro-predators rather than algae grazers. In captivity, they require a protein-rich diet, including:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
  • Frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae
  • Occasional vegetable matter to aid digestion

Avoid overfeeding and provide a varied diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health.

Conclusion

Peacock Cichlids are a perfect addition to a Malawi cichlid tank, offering a balance of beauty and mild temperament. Their striking colors, fascinating breeding behavior, and adaptability make them a favorite among aquarists. By providing the right water conditions, proper diet, and a well-structured tank, fishkeepers can enjoy the stunning display of these Lake Malawi gems for years to come.



SIZE: Peacock Cichlids usually range in size from **4-6 inches (10-15 cm)**.
TANK: A tank of **40 inches (101 cm) or 45-55 gallons (170-209 L)** is usually sufficient.
- The tank should have a **rocky setup** with multiple **crevices and caves**.
- Use a **coral sand substrate** to help maintain alkaline water conditions.
- A filter with **minimal water current** is ideal.
- Robust, **thick-leafed plants** that can tolerate **hard water** may be added.
- **Regular water changes** are essential to maintaining water quality.
WATER:
- Peacock Cichlids thrive in the **hard, alkaline water** typical of **Lake Malawi**.
- Preferred **pH range**: **7.5-9.0**
- Water **hardness**: **10-20 dH**
- Temperature: **75-81°F (24-27°C)**
SB:
- Unlike most other **Lake Malawi Cichlids**, Peacocks are **relatively peaceful**.
- They will **establish and defend territories**, but are generally **not aggressive**.
- Can be housed with **other Peacock Cichlids, catfish, and peaceful, mid-sized fish**.
- **Mbunas are not ideal tank mates**, as they are **more aggressive** than Peacocks.
SC: Suitable tank mates include:
- **Catfish**: Synodontis
- **Cichlids**: Lamprologus (and allies)
- **Lake Tanganyika Rainbowfish**: Lamprichthys
FOOD:
- Peacock Cichlids are **omnivorous** and adapt well to aquarium diets.
- They readily accept **live and frozen foods**, such as:
- Bloodworms
- Mosquito larvae
- Crustaceans
- Snails
- Tubifex worms
- They also **accept high-quality pellets and tablets** as a staple diet.
B:
- Peacock Cichlids are **ovophile mouthbrooders**, forming a **matriarchal family structure**.
- Breeding conditions:
- **pH**: **8.0-8.2**
- **Water hardness**: **10-18 dH**
- **Temperature**: **79-84°F (26-29°C)**
- The **female spawns a small number of eggs** on a **rocky substrate**.
- Fertilization occurs via the **dummy-egg method**.
- The fry should be raised on **newly hatched Artemia (Brine Shrimp)** and **fine-grade flake foods**.
BP: Breeding difficulty **varies by species**.
DC: See **individual species descriptions**, as **care difficulty differs** among them.

Baensch's Peacock, Yellow Peacock Cichlid, Yellow Regal Cichlid, Sunshine Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara baenschi
SYN: None
PD:
An **elongated, high-backed cichlid** with **large lips and eyes**.
The **pelvic and pectoral fins are elongated**.
In the 1990s, four **color morphs** were typically available in the aquarium trade:
1. **Blue-Yellow Morph (Chipoka)** – The **head is indigo blue**, with **6-8 indigo vertical stripes** on the rear part of the fish. The **body is bright yellow**, extending from the **gill cover to the stripes**. The **fins (except for the pectoral fins) are yellow**, with a **marbling of blue in the tail fin**.
2. **Yellow Regal Cichlid (Nkoma/Benga Morph)** – Almost entirely **yellow**, except for **pale blue stripes on the lower half of the head**.
3. **Marleri Islands Morph** – A **blue head** with a **yellow forehead** and **yellow anal, dorsal, and pelvic fins**. **13-16 alternating vertical bands** of **blue and white** run along the body, overlaid with **pale yellow scales**. The **caudal fin is orange** with **horizontal blue stripes**.
4. **Usisya Morph** – **Yellow body, blue head**. The **vertical stripes are faint**, and the **fins (except for the transparent pectoral fin) are deep blue to black**. The **caudal fin is yellow with 8-12 horizontal blue stripes**.
These **color morphs are difficult to describe**, and pictures better illustrate their variety.
SIZE: Males grow up to **6 inches (15 cm)**, while females reach **3.5 inches (9 cm)**.
SS:
Some experts believe that A. baenschi may be a **color morph of A. nyassae**, but this relationship remains unclear.
The **Yellow Peacock (Aulonocara species)** has the same common name as A. baenschi, but differs in **having no blue on its head**.
It is also found near **Chipoka**.
HAB:
Native to **eastern Africa**, inhabiting **rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi**.
The two most commonly **bred and imported color morphs** come from the **Marleri Islands** and the **rocky shores near Chipoka**.
S: Bottom, middle
TANK:
- A **40-inch (101 cm), 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank** is required for adult fish.
- Use **rocks to create caves and hiding spots**.
- A **coral sand substrate with scattered pebbles** is ideal.
- Tough plants that can tolerate **hard water** (Anubias, Cryptocoryne) are usually left undisturbed.
- Roots and driftwood can provide additional shelter.
- Use a filter that **creates minimal water current**, and **perform frequent partial water changes**.
WATER:
- pH: **7.5 - 8.8** (optimal **8.2**)
- Hardness: **10-25 dH** (ideal **15 dH**)
- Temperature: **77-84°F (25-29°C)**
SB:
- A **peaceful and delightful fish** that integrates well in **community tanks** with other robust species.
- Generally **non-aggressive**, but **may become territorial** during spawning.
- It is recommended to **provide a separate retreat for each fish**, as this reduces stress and aggression.
SC:
- **Catfish**: Synodontis
- **Cichlids**: Lamprologus (and allies)
- **Lake Tanganyika Rainbowfish**: Lamprichthys
FOOD:
- Carnivorous, requiring a **high-protein diet**.
- Accepts **live and frozen foods**, such as:
- Bloodworms
- Mosquito larvae
- Crustaceans
- Snails
- Tubifex worms
- Also **readily accepts pellets and tablets**.
SEX:
- **Females** are **brown or black with dark stripes**.
- **Males** are **multicolored and significantly larger**.
- See **Physical Description** for color details.
B:
- Prior to spawning, the **pair should be conditioned separately** for **2-3 weeks** on **Brine Shrimp**, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms.
- Once reintroduced, **spawning typically occurs soon after**.
- The **breeding tank** should have:
- pH: **7.8 - 8.2**
- Hardness: **10-15 dH**
- Temperature: **77-82°F (25-28°C)**
- **Ovophile mouthbrooders** with a **matriarchal family structure**.
- Spawning behavior is **similar to A. hansbaenschi**.
BP: **6** – Breeding this Peacock is **not particularly difficult**.
R:
- Like all **Peacock Cichlids**, this species **displays enhanced coloration during the spawning season**.
DC: **4** – One of the **hardiest Peacock Cichlids**.

Peacock Cichlid, Red Shoulder Malawi, African Peacock
Aulonocara hansbaenschi
SYN: None
PD:
An **elongated, high-backed cichlid**.
In males, the **dorsal fin is elongated and pointed**, with a **white upper ridge**, while the rest matches the body color.
The **body is indigo blue**, with **7-9 faint horizontal black stripes**.
Red to pink scales alternate with blue scales, though the **blue scales are more numerous**.
The **belly and area behind the gill cover** have more **red to pink scales**.
The **other fins match the body color**.
Females have **less elaborate fins**, are **brownish-gray**, and have **larger eyes**.
Their fins are **brown or transparent**.
SIZE: Up to **6 inches (15 cm)**
SS:
Related species include:
- Aulonocara korneliae
- Lake Malawi Butterfly Cichlid (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi)
- Nyasa Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae)
- Grant's Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti)
HAB:
Native to **Eastern Africa**, found in **rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi**.
Frequently inhabits **caves**.
S: Bottom, middle
TANK:
- Requires a **40-inch (100 cm), 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank**.
- Provide a **rocky setup** with **caves and shelters for hiding places**.
- **Hardy plants** can be used as this fish **does not usually disturb them**.
- Prefers a **coral sand substrate**, like all Lake Malawi Cichlids.
WATER:
- pH: **7.5 - 8.8** (optimal **8.2**)
- Hardness: **10-25 dH** (ideal **15 dH**)
- Temperature: **77-84°F (25-29°C)**
SB:
- **Peaceful but territorial**.
- Can be housed with **other medium-sized cichlids**.
- Ensure **each fish has a retreat** for comfort and to reduce aggression.
- Best kept with **one male and several females**.
SC:
- **Catfish**: Synodontis
- **Cichlids**: Lamprologus (and allies)
- **Lake Tanganyika Rainbowfish**: Lamprichthys
FOOD:
- Carnivorous, requiring a **high-protein diet**.
- Accepts **live and frozen foods**, such as:
- Bloodworms
- Mosquito larvae
- Crustaceans
- Snails
- Tubifex worms
- Also **accepts pellets and tablets**.
SEX:
- **Females** are **pale**, while **males are dark indigo blue**.
- See **Physical Description** for additional details.
B:
- **Ovophile mouthbrooder** with a **matriarchal family structure**.
- The female **spawns on a rocky bottom** and **incubates 20-60 eggs** in her mouth.
- Fertilization occurs via the **dummy-egg method**.
- Eggs incubate for **20-22 days** at **81-86°F (27-30°C)**.
- Fry should be fed **Artemia nauplii and small dry foods**.
BP: **6** – Breeding is **not especially difficult**.
R:
- In the wild, **groups of males inhabit caves**.
- However, **only one male displays full colors** in a group.
DC: **5** – Hardy with **frequent water changes and a varied diet**.
--- Jacobfreibergi, Lake Malawi Butterfly Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
SYN: None
PD:
An **elongated cichlid** with a **body shape similar to other Peacock Cichlids**.
Several **color variations exist**, though only **one is commonly available**.
The **lower jaw and rear body are dark indigo blue**.
The **forehead and upper back are reddish-brown**.
It has **9-10 faint but dark horizontal stripes**:
- The **first stripe starts behind the gill cover**.
- The **last stripe ends at the base of the tail**.
The **dorsal and caudal fins are iridescent blue**.
The **pectoral fins are transparent**.
The **anal fin is red and black with an electric blue trim**.
The **first ray of the pelvic fins is electric blue**.
SIZE: Up to **5 inches (13 cm)**
SS:
Related species include:
- Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara hansbaenschi)
- Aulonocara korneliae
- Aulonocara nyassae
- Grant's Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti)
HAB:
Native to **Eastern Africa**, found in **rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi**.
S: Bottom, middle
TANK:
- Requires a **40-inch (100 cm), 40-gallon (150 L) tank**.
- Set up the tank **as described for other Peacock Cichlids**.
WATER:
- pH: **7.5 - 8.8** (optimal **8.2**)
- Hardness: **10-25 dH** (ideal **15 dH**)
- Temperature: **77-84°F (25-29°C)**
SB:
- A **peaceful fish** suitable for **community tanks** with other robust species.
- Best kept with **one male and several females**.
- **Behavior is similar to other Peacock Cichlids**.
SC:
- **Catfish**: Synodontis
- **Cichlids**: Lamprologus (and allies)
- **Lake Tanganyika Rainbowfish**: Lamprichthys
FOOD:
- **Live and frozen foods**:
- Bloodworms
- Mosquito larvae
- Crustaceans
- Snails
- Tubifex worms
- Also **readily accepts pellets and tablets**.
SEX:
- **Females** are **pale**.
- **Males** are **dark indigo blue**.
B: See **A. hansbaenschi**.
BP: **6** – Not especially difficult.
R:
- Multiple **color morphs** are available in the aquarium trade.
DC: **4** – Hardy, but **requires live foods**.