Golden Peacock

Aulonocara aureum

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterpeacock

A peacock cichlid with a golden body, highly prized in the hobby for its beauty and relatively mild temperament.

Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Lake Malawi
Lac africain, eau dure alcaline, cichlidés endémiques.

Description

Aulonocara aureum reaches about 13 cm. Males are bright golden yellow with blue reflections on the head and fins. Females are gray-brown. Its body is elongated and laterally compressed. It is a calm fish that spends time sifting through sand. It is territorial but can coexist with other peaceful Malawi species. It forms harems. In the aquarium, it is often kept with other Aulonocara or bottom-dwelling fish.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi, hard and alkaline water.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH7.58.5
GH1020 °dGH
KH815 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
200 L
Min. group
4
Adult size
13 cm
Lifespan
6 years
Temperament
Semi-agressif
Propagation

Care notes

Temperature 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, GH 10-20, KH 8-15. A minimum 200-liter tank for a group. Sandy substrate, rocks, and hiding places. Carnivorous diet: pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Avoid aggressive Mbunas. Compatible with other Aulonocara, Synodontis, peaceful fish. Regular water changes. Breeding by mouthbrooding; the female holds the eggs for 3 weeks.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References