Buy Aulonocara and Malawi at Vegas Valley Cichlids

$59.99

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
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$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

TALK TO A PERSON
SUPPORT 24/7

Availability: 5 In Stock

Sunshine Benga Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi)

The Sunshine Benga Peacock Cichlid, also known as the New Yellow Regal Peacock, is a stunning freshwater fish from Lake Malawi, Africa. This species is a favorite among aquarists due to its bright yellow and electric blue coloration, peaceful temperament, and active swimming behavior.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Specifically inhabits the rocky and sandy transition zones near the Nkhomo Reef.
  • Natural Environment:

    • Prefers clear, warm, well-oxygenated waters.
    • Feeds by sifting through sand for small invertebrates and microorganisms.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 6 inches (15 cm).
    • Females: Around 4 inches (10 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Males:
      • Bright yellow body with iridescent blue highlights on the face and dorsal fin.
      • Some may develop blue speckling on their fins and head as they mature.
    • Females:
      • Less colorful, typically silvery-gray with faint patterns.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 8-10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Semi-aggressive, but less territorial than Mbuna cichlids.
    • Males can be aggressive toward other males, especially when competing for females.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in a harem setup (one male with multiple females).
    • Can be housed with other Peacocks and Haps, but avoid highly aggressive species.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 55 gallons for a single male with females.
    • 75+ gallons for a mixed Peacock and Haplochromis tank.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel to allow natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming areas to mimic Lake Malawi.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Omnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plankton.
    • In captivity, they require a high-quality diet to maintain color.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes or blanched spinach to aid digestion.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males will dig small pits or claim a rock as a spawning site.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks and caves to encourage spawning.
    • Separate fry after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Other Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species).
    • Haplochromis species (e.g., Red Empress, Blue Dolphin).
    • Synodontis catfish or Plecos for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Mbuna cichlids (too aggressive).
    • Highly aggressive Haps (like Nimbochromis species).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

Sunshine Benga Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi)

The Sunshine Benga Peacock Cichlid, also known as the New Yellow Regal Peacock, is a stunning freshwater fish from Lake Malawi, Africa. This species is a favorite among aquarists due to its bright yellow and electric blue coloration, peaceful temperament, and active swimming behavior.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Specifically inhabits the rocky and sandy transition zones near the Nkhomo Reef.
  • Natural Environment:

    • Prefers clear, warm, well-oxygenated waters.
    • Feeds by sifting through sand for small invertebrates and microorganisms.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 6 inches (15 cm).
    • Females: Around 4 inches (10 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Males:
      • Bright yellow body with iridescent blue highlights on the face and dorsal fin.
      • Some may develop blue speckling on their fins and head as they mature.
    • Females:
      • Less colorful, typically silvery-gray with faint patterns.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 8-10 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Semi-aggressive, but less territorial than Mbuna cichlids.
    • Males can be aggressive toward other males, especially when competing for females.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in a harem setup (one male with multiple females).
    • Can be housed with other Peacocks and Haps, but avoid highly aggressive species.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 55 gallons for a single male with females.
    • 75+ gallons for a mixed Peacock and Haplochromis tank.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel to allow natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming areas to mimic Lake Malawi.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Omnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plankton.
    • In captivity, they require a high-quality diet to maintain color.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes or blanched spinach to aid digestion.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males will dig small pits or claim a rock as a spawning site.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks and caves to encourage spawning.
    • Separate fry after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Other Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species).
    • Haplochromis species (e.g., Red Empress, Blue Dolphin).
    • Synodontis catfish or Plecos for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Mbuna cichlids (too aggressive).
    • Highly aggressive Haps (like Nimbochromis species).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

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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: 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: 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.

 

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.

 

Sunshine Benga Sunshine Benga

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