Aulonocara Red Albino

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. (hybrid)
• Common Names: Albino Red Peacock, Red Albino Aulonocara
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Captive-bred hybrid; not found in the wild

Physical Description

• Color: The Albino Red Peacock has a distinctive, almost iridescent red-to-pink body coloration, combined with the classic white or pale yellow coloration seen in albino fish. The eyes are typically red, a common characteristic of albino animals.
• Size: Males can grow up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, while females are slightly smaller, reaching about 3-4 inches (8-10 cm).
• Body Shape: This fish shares the typical body shape of other Aulonocara species: a moderately elongated, slightly compressed body with a rounded head and large eyes.
• Fins: The fins are typically pale or white, often with subtle red edging, giving the fish an elegant, flowing appearance.

Behavior

• Temperament: Like other peacock cichlids, Albino Red Peacocks are generally semi-aggressive. Males can become territorial, especially during breeding or when in close quarters with other males, but overall they are more peaceful compared to Mbuna cichlids.
• Social Structure: They do best in a harem structure, with one male and multiple females to reduce male aggression. Multiple males can be kept together in larger tanks with plenty of space and territories to avoid confrontations.
• Swimming Style: Albino Red Peacocks are active swimmers and will often explore the middle and bottom areas of the tank, especially around caves and open sandy spaces.

Habitat

• Aquarium Setup: Albino Red Peacocks thrive in tanks that mimic their natural Lake Malawi environment, which includes rocky areas for hiding and sandy substrates where they can sift for food. They also need open swimming space. Rocks, caves, and plants (though not necessary) can be used for decorations, but ensure that the layout allows for sufficient territorial boundaries, especially for males.

Diet

• Feeding: These fish are omnivores, though their diet in the wild would primarily consist of invertebrates. In the aquarium, feed them a balanced diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure vibrant coloration and good health.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring that all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Albino Red Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders, like other peacocks. The female will lay eggs, and after fertilization, she will carry them in her mouth for incubation until the fry are ready to be released, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
• Nesting: Males create small territories, often with sandy or rocky areas, where they will display to attract females.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are released, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a group, especially if you plan to keep multiple males or mix them with other cichlids.
• 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 is essential to maintain water quality, as cichlids are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes are also necessary to keep the environment stable.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Red Peacocks can coexist with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids, such as other Aulonocara species, Copadichromis, and Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs). Avoid overly aggressive species like Mbuna, as they may harass the more peaceful Albino Peacocks.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Albino Red Peacocks can live for 5 to 8 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The albino trait in this peacock cichlid results from selective breeding, and it is not a naturally occurring variation in the wild.
• The red coloration can vary slightly between individuals, with some showing more intense shades of pink or red depending on diet and genetics.
• Albino Red Peacocks’ colors often become more intense during breeding seasons, especially in males.