Malawi Peacock

Aulonocara malawi

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterPeacocks

A peacock cichlid with variable colors, often blue and yellow, suitable for Malawi community aquariums.

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

The Malawi Peacock reaches 12-14 cm. Males show blue coloration with yellow on the dorsal fin. Females are grey-brown. It is a mouthbrooder. It is less territorial than other Aulonocara. It lives in harems in rocky areas. Its diet is carnivorous. It is appreciated for its hardiness and ease of adaptation.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH7.58.5
GH1020 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
200 L
Min. group
3
Adult size
13 cm
Lifespan
6 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation

Care notes

Minimum 200 liter tank for a group. Parameters: 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, GH 10-20, KH 8-12. Nitrates <20, phosphates <0.5. Carnivorous diet: pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Compatible with other peaceful Malawi cichlids. Avoid aggressive mbunas. Provide rocks and sandy substrate. Regular water changes.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References