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Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara spp.
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Lake Malawi, Africa
Peacock cichlids are among the most colourful freshwater fish, with males displaying brilliant blues, yellows, and reds. They are relatively peaceful for cichlids and suited to species tanks or Malawi community setups with similar temperament fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Peacock cichlids are carnivorous and should be fed high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding degrades water quality. Occasional live foods enhance coloration and natural feeding behaviors.
Behavior
Peacock cichlids are relatively peaceful for cichlids, spending much time foraging along the substrate and mid-water levels. Males are territorial with one another and will establish dominance hierarchies; females are generally more docile. They exhibit fascinating hunting and sifting behaviors, particularly when searching for food in sand.
Breeding
Breeding peacock cichlids in captivity is moderately difficult and requires separate breeding tanks with stable water conditions and minimal disturbance. Males are mouthbrooders; females incubate eggs orally for 2-3 weeks before releasing fry. Success depends on proper conditioning, appropriate sex ratios, and reducing aggression during spawning.
Tank Mates
Similar Malawi cichlid; requires careful monitoring as aggression can escalate with limited space
Compatible Malawi species with similar temperament and water requirements
Peaceful bottom-dweller that helps control algae without competing for food or territory
Peaceful catfish that occupies bottom zone and prefers similar warm water conditions
Smaller Malawi cichlid with compatible temperament and dietary needs
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label directions; maintain excellent water quality
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Erosion of head and lateral line, loss of appetite, white stringy feces, behavioral changes
Improve water quality with frequent changes, reduce stress, use metronidazole-based medication; ensure adequate nutrition with varied diet including quality pellets
Fin Rot
Fraying or deterioration of fin edges, discoloration, fin loss in severe cases
Perform 25-50% water changes, maintain pristine water conditions, use antibacterial medication (tetracycline or similar); isolate if spreading to tank mates
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Perform large water changes, feed quality pellets and varied diet, reduce stress; use antibiotic treatment if bacterial; may be fatal if untreated
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – cichlid pellets, sinking foods, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia
- lifespan
- 5–8 years
- max size
- 15 cm (6 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful for cichlids; males territorial with each other
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.8–8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 12–25 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)