Aquarium species profile

Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara spp. · East Africa (Lake Malawi)

Minimum tank55 gal

Adult size5–6"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentSemi-Aggressive

Temperature76–82°F

pH range7.5–8.5

Diet

Carnivore – cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp; avoid Spirulina-heavy diets

Compatible tank mates

Haplochromis (Haps), other Peacocks, Plecos; avoid mixing sexes of similar species

Tank mates to avoid

Mbuna (too aggressive), passive fish, cichlids from other lakes

Care notes

Males display spectacular coloration; females drab. Mouthbrooders. Require hard alkaline water. Open-water swimmers; provide some open sandy areas.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician