Peacock Cichlids
Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara sp.) represent one of the most diverse and spectacular groups of cichlids in Lake Malawi. With over 20 described species and countless locality variants, the Aulonocara genus offers a breathtaking range of colors — from deep blues and purples to vivid oranges, reds, and yellows. Unlike the algae-grazing mbuna, Aulonocara are specialized sand-sifters that detect buried invertebrates using sensory pores along the lower jaw. This listing covers our general Aulonocara stock where specific species vary.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold is the ideal staple for peacock cichlids — Hikari Micro Pellets as a good backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed near the substrate to encourage natural sand-sifting behavior. Unlike mbuna, peacocks can safely receive occasional frozen foods without Malawi Bloat risk.
Lake Malawi is a large, deep, alkaline lake with remarkably stable water chemistry. Hard, alkaline water with excellent filtration and regular water changes are essential. Crushed coral or aragonite substrate helps maintain the required pH and hardness. Provide plenty of rockwork to create territories and sight-breaks — this significantly reduces aggression by giving subordinate fish refuge from dominant males.
Keep one male with two or more females. Males are magnificent in full color but will fight with conspecific males — a single male per species per tank is the rule unless the aquarium is very large. Aulonocara mix well with other peacock species and many haplochromine cichlids but should be kept away from aggressive mbuna. Provide a sandy substrate for their natural sand-sifting feeding behavior.
Providing a fine sand substrate is not just aesthetic for peacock cichlids — it is functionally important. These fish actively sift sand to hunt buried invertebrates, and the behavior is both natural and fascinating to observe. Sandy areas alternating with rock structures creates the ideal Malawi peacock environment.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive — peaceful for Malawi |
| Typical Adult Size | 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male to 2+ females per species |
| Ideal Temp | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–8.5 |
| Ideal GH | 10–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 6–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets (backup) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Notes | General Aulonocara stock — specific species vary. Sand substrate essential. Mix with other peacocks and haplochromines. Avoid aggressive mbuna. Mouthbrooders. |
