Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) fishes are among the most beloved freshwater aquarium species. Not only are they popular and visually striking; their vibrant hues hail from Africa's Lake Malawi where they reach lengths between 4 - 6 inches. Their bodies feature long bodies with vertical stripes in any range of colors including blues, oranges, reds, yellows, greys, blacks and whites to name just some!
Female and juvenile Peacock Cichlids may appear dull in coloration, but males are what have earned these fish their name as Peacocks. With age comes vibrant and iridescent hues of blue, yellow, red and orange that simply dazzle.
These hardy fish from Lake Malawi are an excellent addition to the home aquarium and will live for years with proper care and attention. While they can cohabit peacefully with other medium-sized, nonaggressive cichlids, they prefer tanks with slightly basic pH conditions for best results. In nature they are territorial and aggressive toward others in their species but this behavior can be controlled within an aquarium environment with appropriate handling and attention.
Peacock Cichlids are insectivores that feed by searching the substrate for insects, such as worms and insects. Their diet should include quality pellets, flakes, wafers and freeze-dried bloodworms or brine shrimp - they even enjoy being mouth brooders! Female Peacock cichlids will collect fertilized eggs from male Peacock cichlids before incubating them until hatching occurs in her modified throat pouch until hatching occurs.
