Aulonocara blue peacock

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara nyassae
• Common Names: Blue Peacock Cichlid, Aulonocara Blue Peacock, Peacock Cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa

Physical Description

• Color: The Blue Peacock Cichlid is famous for its electric blue coloration, particularly in males. Females tend to be more subdued in color, often grayish or silvery.
• Size: Adult males typically grow up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), while females are slightly smaller.
• Body Shape: They have an elongated body with a pointed snout, typical of the Aulonocara genus, and sport long, flowing fins.
• Fins: The fins are usually as colorful as the body, with males displaying more vivid patterns compared to females.

Behavior

• Temperament: Blue Peacock Cichlids are relatively peaceful compared to other Malawi cichlids. However, males can become territorial, especially during breeding periods. They are less aggressive than most other cichlids from Lake Malawi, making them suitable for mixed tanks with other similarly tempered fish.
• Social Structure: Best kept in a group with one dominant male and several females to reduce aggression. Avoid keeping multiple males unless in a very large tank with plenty of space.
• Swimming Style: They are active swimmers and prefer the middle to lower areas of the aquarium, where they will often sift through the substrate for food.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Blue Peacock Cichlids inhabit sandy and rocky environments in Lake Malawi, where they search for small invertebrates.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a spacious tank with a sandy substrate and rocks for hiding and territory formation. Ensure plenty of open swimming space to allow the fish to move freely.

Diet

• Feeding: Blue Peacocks are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times per day, in small amounts they can consume within a few minutes. A varied diet helps maintain their color vibrancy.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Like many other cichlids, Blue Peacocks are mouthbrooders. After the eggs are laid and fertilized, the female will collect the eggs in her mouth and carry them until they hatch, usually around 2-3 weeks.
• Nesting: Males will establish a territory and create a "pit" in the sand to attract females for breeding. After spawning, females protect the eggs and young in their mouths until they are old enough to be released.
• Fry Care: Once released, fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed cichlid flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks being preferable if housing multiple males.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 7.8 to 8.6 (alkaline)
  • Hardness: 10 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are necessary, as these fish are sensitive to water quality.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Blue Peacocks can be kept with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids, such as Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs), Protomelas, and other Aulonocara species. Avoid highly aggressive species or very small fish that could be seen as prey.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Blue Peacock Cichlids can live for 6 to 10 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Blue Peacock Cichlids are known for their electric blue coloring, which is more vibrant in dominant males. The more dominant the male, the brighter his color.