Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp; avoid high protein (bloat risk)
Aquarium species profile
Sunshine Peacock
Aulonocara baenschi · Africa (Lake Malawi — Benga point)
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size5"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other Malawi peacocks and haps, larger mbuna; avoid mixing with small peaceful fish
Tank mates to avoid
Very aggressive mbuna, tiny fish, fin-nippers
Care notes
One of the most brilliantly colored peacock cichlids — males display vivid yellow-orange flanks with electric blue head. Females are drab brown. Harem spawners; keep 1 male to 3+ females. Slightly less aggressive than most mbuna. Classic Malawi community fish.
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.