Chilumba (Aulonocara stuartgranti)

Chilumba (Aulonocara stuartgranti) is a spectacular peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi. The Chilumba form displays a brilliant blue head and anterior body transitioning to vivid orange-red on the flanks and tail — one of the most dramatic color transitions of any Aulonocara. Collected from the waters near Chilumba on the northwestern coast of Lake Malawi. Like all Aulonocara, this species is a specialized sand-sifter that detects buried invertebrates using sensory pores along the lower jaw.

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.

Native to Chilumba, northwestern Lake Malawi. Sandy substrate is essential for this species' natural sand-sifting behavior — sifting through sand to find buried invertebrates is central to its lifestyle and keeps it mentally stimulated in captivity.

Care & Ideal Parameters