Peacock cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti · Cichlidae
Also known as Aulonocara, Peacock
Intermediate
Malawi's colour showcase: males glow blue, orange or yellow and stay calmer than mbuna.
In short: A peacock cichlid needs at least 300 L (79 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 7.6–8.6. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 4 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 7.6–8.6
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 4+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 7.6–8.6
- Hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore-leaning — cichlid pellets, mysis, frozen foods; no excess protein.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Lake Malawi
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Sandy zones near rocks
- Natural conditions
- Hard alkaline water, sand, rockwork, strong filtration.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 4 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Other peacocksHapsSynodontis
- Avoid
- MbunaSoft water communitiesPlants
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males are colourful; females are plain brown.
- Notes
- Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold for around three weeks.
- Common ailments
- Malawi bloat from protein-rich dietsIch
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