Peacock Cichlid

From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer

Aulonocara jacobfreibergi - (Johnson, 1974)
Peacock Cichlid

Excellent beginner's introduction to the cichlids of Lake Malawi and to African cichlid breeding. Aaron Norman

[edit] Overview

This is one of the classic Malawi Peacocks, brilliantly colored with a swallow’s tail and an ideal African cichlid for beginners and for those hobbyists wanting to breed African cichlids for the first time. Extreme differences in coloration exist between populations.

Family: Cichlidae

Other common name(s):

  • Fairy Cichlid

Native range:

Habitat: The Peacock Cichlid needs both rocky and open swimming areas and is primarily a cave dweller.

Maximum length: 15 cm (6 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 152 L (40 gal)

Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)

General swimming level: Bottom to midwater.

[edit] Feeding

Carnivore. In the wild, the Peacock Cichlid feeds on micro-invertebrates found hidden in the sand, but will readily adapt to a variety of commercially prepared cichlid diets, such as flakes and pellets. Supplement with meaty frozen and freeze-dried foods, such as brine shrimp or black worms. Live foods will be eaten with relish.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

They are generally peaceful, although males may quarrel over females or territory. In the wild, they live in large groups.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Maternal mouthbrooder. Acquire one male to several females to start. Females are much less flamboyantly colored.

[edit] Notes

Provide smooth rocks to form caves and, because they need hard, alkaline water to thrive, lay down a fine-grade dolomite or coral-based gravel substrate. This is a sizable fish that needs room to swim and maneuver.

Reference: 101 Best Tropical Fishes
Image credit: AN
Text credit: KW
Facts about Peacock CichlidRDF feed
Common name Peacock Cichlid  +, and Fairy Cichlid  +
Family Cichlidae  +
Genus Aulonocara  +
Image credit AN  +
Maximum length 6 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 40 gal  +
Native range Africa  +, and Lake Malawi  +
Reference 101 Best Tropical Fishes  +
Specific name jacobfreibergi  +
Swimming level Bottom to midwater.  +
Text credit KW  +
Water max temp 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F)  +
Water min temp 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F)  +
Water type Freshwater  +
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