Native Region:

• Maison Reef, located in Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Found in intermediate rocky and sandy zones, where they sift sand for food

• Prefer calm, oxygen-rich waters with access to hiding places

Size:

• Males: 4.5 to 5 inches (11–13 cm)

• Females: 3.5 to 4 inches (9–10 cm)

Coloration:

• Males: Vibrant electric blue body with subtle yellow or white accents in the fins

• Females: Dull silver or gray, typical of Aulonocara species

• Color intensity increases with age, health, and dominance

Body Shape:

• Stocky yet streamlined; oval-bodied with flowing fins

Temperament:

• Peaceful to moderately aggressive, especially among males

• Males may become territorial during breeding or if housed with similar-looking cichlids

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in a harem setup (1 male to 3–5 females)

• Can thrive in community setups with other Peacocks, Haps, and non-aggressive species

Minimum Tank Size:

• 55 gallons for a small group

• 75+ gallons for mixed species setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Water Hardness: 8–20 dGH

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand preferred for natural sifting behavior

• Decor: Rockwork for hiding spots and breeding territories; open areas for swimming

• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their vivid colors

• Filtration: Strong and stable filtration with regular water changes

Feeding Type: Omnivorous

Natural Behavior: Sifts sand for micro invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes

• Supplements:

  • Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

  • Occasional spirulina flakes or blanched greens

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males display bright colors and claim spawning areas

• Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 21–28 days

• Fry can be raised separately on crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp

Compatible With:

• Other Peacock Cichlids, mild Haps (e.g., Red Empress, Blue Dolphin)

• Peaceful bottom dwellers like Synodontis catfish or Bristlenose Plecos

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna or large predatory Haps

• Small or timid fish that may be bullied

Native Region:

• Maison Reef, located in Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Found in intermediate rocky and sandy zones, where they sift sand for food

• Prefer calm, oxygen-rich waters with access to hiding places

Size:

• Males: 4.5 to 5 inches (11–13 cm)

• Females: 3.5 to 4 inches (9–10 cm)

Coloration:

• Males: Vibrant electric blue body with subtle yellow or white accents in the fins

• Females: Dull silver or gray, typical of Aulonocara species

• Color intensity increases with age, health, and dominance

Body Shape:

• Stocky yet streamlined; oval-bodied with flowing fins

Temperament:

• Peaceful to moderately aggressive, especially among males

• Males may become territorial during breeding or if housed with similar-looking cichlids

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in a harem setup (1 male to 3–5 females)

• Can thrive in community setups with other Peacocks, Haps, and non-aggressive species

Minimum Tank Size:

• 55 gallons for a small group

• 75+ gallons for mixed species setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Water Hardness: 8–20 dGH

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand preferred for natural sifting behavior

• Decor: Rockwork for hiding spots and breeding territories; open areas for swimming

• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their vivid colors

• Filtration: Strong and stable filtration with regular water changes

Feeding Type: Omnivorous

Natural Behavior: Sifts sand for micro invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes

• Supplements:

  • Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

  • Occasional spirulina flakes or blanched greens

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males display bright colors and claim spawning areas

• Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths for 21–28 days

• Fry can be raised separately on crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp

Compatible With:

• Other Peacock Cichlids, mild Haps (e.g., Red Empress, Blue Dolphin)

• Peaceful bottom dwellers like Synodontis catfish or Bristlenose Plecos

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna or large predatory Haps

• Small or timid fish that may be bullied