OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

$64.99

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

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$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

TALK TO A PERSON
SUPPORT 24/7

Availability: 3 In Stock

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OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

(Aulonocara hansbaenschi hybrid)

The OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid is a vibrant hybrid variant of the Red Shoulder Peacock (Aulonocara hansbaenschi), distinguished by its striking red-orange shoulder patch and unique blotched (OB) patterning. This combination results in a fish that showcases a mix of bright reds, oranges, blues, and black spots, making each individual uniquely patterned.

Origin and Habitat

Native Region:
- The base species, Aulonocara hansbaenschi, is endemic to Lake Malawi, specifically found in locations like Masinje, Fort Maguire, Mara Point, and Thumbi West Island .
Habitat Type:
- Prefers intermediate zones where rocky shores transition into sandy bottoms, often inhabiting rocky caves and crevices in relatively shallow waters .

Physical Characteristics

Size:
- Males: Up to 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)
- Females: Slightly smaller, around 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm)
Coloration:
- Males: Display a vibrant red-orange patch behind the gill plate, complemented by a mix of blue hues and black blotches characteristic of the OB pattern.
- Females: Generally exhibit a more subdued coloration with less pronounced blotching.
Lifespan:
- Typically 8–10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

Temperament:
- Moderately aggressive, especially during breeding periods.
- Less aggressive than many Mbuna species but can be territorial.
Social Behavior:
- Best kept in harems (one male to multiple females) to distribute male attention and reduce aggression.
- Can coexist with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Haps and Peacocks.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
- Minimum 55 gallons for a small group.
- Larger tanks (75+ gallons) recommended for community setups.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Fine sand to mimic natural habitat and allow natural foraging behavior.
- Decor: Rock formations creating caves and hiding spots; open areas for swimming.
- Filtration: Strong filtration with regular water changes to maintain water quality.

Diet and Feeding

Feeding Type: Omnivorous
Diet:
- Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
- Supplements:
  - Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms.
  - Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach or peas.
Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 1–2 times daily in amounts they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

Reproductive Behavior:
- Maternal mouthbrooder: Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 2–3 weeks before releasing free-swimming fry.
Breeding Setup:
- Provide flat rocks or cave-like structures for spawning.
- Maintain optimal water conditions to encourage breeding.

Tank Mates

Compatible With:
- Other peaceful to moderately aggressive Haps and Peacocks.
- Synodontis catfish, Plecos, or other non-aggressive bottom dwellers.
Avoid:
- Highly aggressive Mbuna species.
- Small or timid fish that may be bullied.

Is the OB Red Shoulder Peacock Right for You?

✅ Ideal for aquarists seeking a visually striking yet manageable African cichlid.
✅ Suitable for mixed Hap and Peacock communities.
✅ Displays interesting behaviors and vibrant coloration.
❌ Requires stable water conditions and adequate space.
❌ Not recommended for community tanks with very peaceful or small fish.

The OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid is a stunning addition to any Lake Malawi setup, offering both beauty and engaging behavior. With proper care and tank conditions, it will thrive and become a centerpiece in your aquarium.

OB Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

(Aulonocara hansbaenschi hybrid)

Origin and Habitat

Native Region:
- The base species, Aulonocara hansbaenschi, is endemic to Lake Malawi, specifically found in locations like Masinje, Fort Maguire, Mara Point, and Thumbi West Island .
Habitat Type:
- Prefers intermediate zones where rocky shores transition into sandy bottoms, often inhabiting rocky caves and crevices in relatively shallow waters .

Physical Characteristics

Size:
- Males: Up to 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)
- Females: Slightly smaller, around 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm)
Coloration:
- Males: Display a vibrant red-orange patch behind the gill plate, complemented by a mix of blue hues and black blotches characteristic of the OB pattern.
- Females: Generally exhibit a more subdued coloration with less pronounced blotching.
Lifespan:
- Typically 8–10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

Temperament:
- Moderately aggressive, especially during breeding periods.
- Less aggressive than many Mbuna species but can be territorial.
Social Behavior:
- Best kept in harems (one male to multiple females) to distribute male attention and reduce aggression.
- Can coexist with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Haps and Peacocks.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
- Minimum 55 gallons for a small group.
- Larger tanks (75+ gallons) recommended for community setups.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Fine sand to mimic natural habitat and allow natural foraging behavior.
- Decor: Rock formations creating caves and hiding spots; open areas for swimming.
- Filtration: Strong filtration with regular water changes to maintain water quality.

Diet and Feeding

Feeding Type: Omnivorous
Diet:
- Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
- Supplements:
  - Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms.
  - Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach or peas.
Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 1–2 times daily in amounts they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

Reproductive Behavior:
- Maternal mouthbrooder: Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 2–3 weeks before releasing free-swimming fry.
Breeding Setup:
- Provide flat rocks or cave-like structures for spawning.
- Maintain optimal water conditions to encourage breeding.

Tank Mates

Compatible With:
- Other peaceful to moderately aggressive Haps and Peacocks.
- Synodontis catfish, Plecos, or other non-aggressive bottom dwellers.
Avoid:
- Highly aggressive Mbuna species.
- Small or timid fish that may be bullied.

Is the OB Red Shoulder Peacock Right for You?

Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water. This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:	Ship Date:	Arrival Date: UPS Overnight	Arrival Date: Southwest
Monday	Wednesday	Thursday	Wednesday
Tuesday	Thursday	Friday	Thursday
Wednesday	Monday	Tuesday	Friday
Thursday	Monday	Tuesday	Saturday
Friday	Monday	Tuesday	Sunday
Saturday	Monday	Tuesday	Monday
Sunday	Tuesday	Wed	Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note: If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.

   Southwest:
  For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
   we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:	Ship Date:	Arrival Date: UPS Overnight	Arrival Date: Southwest
Monday	Wednesday	Thursday	Wednesday
Tuesday	Thursday	Friday	Thursday
Wednesday	Monday	Tuesday	Friday
Thursday	Monday	Tuesday	Saturday
Friday	Monday	Tuesday	Sunday
Saturday	Monday	Tuesday	Monday
Sunday	Tuesday	Wed	Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note: If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.

   Southwest:
  For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
   we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.

VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.

25% DOA
We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish.

50% DOA
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

75% DOA
We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.

25% DOA
We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish.

50% DOA
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

75% DOA
We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.