Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
• Common Names: Freiberg’s Peacock Cichlid, Jacobfreibergi Peacock, Malawi Butterfly Peacock
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa

Physical Description

• Color: Males display stunning coloration, often featuring metallic blue, orange, yellow, or red hues. They are especially noted for the bright colors on their heads, often with iridescent blue or violet patterns, while their bodies can be orange, red, or yellow. Females, on the other hand, are typically less vibrant, usually appearing silvery or brownish.
• Size: Adult males can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm), while females are generally smaller, reaching around 4 inches (10 cm).
• Body Shape: Typical of the Aulonocara genus, they have an elongated body with a slightly pointed head and prominent fins.
• Fins: Males have long, flowing dorsal and caudal fins, often displaying intricate patterns or edging in contrasting colors.

Behavior

• Temperament: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi is considered semi-aggressive. Males, particularly dominant ones, can become territorial, especially during breeding periods. However, they are generally less aggressive than Mbuna cichlids and can cohabit well with other Aulonocara species or similarly tempered fish.
• Social Structure: It is best to keep them in a harem setup with one male and multiple females to reduce aggression. Multiple males can be kept in larger tanks, but territorial disputes may occur.
• Swimming Style: They are active swimmers and prefer the middle and bottom areas of the aquarium, where they explore their environment and search for food.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Aulonocara jacobfreibergi is found in rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi. These environments offer a mix of open spaces for swimming and rocky shelters for hiding.
• Aquarium Setup: A tank for Jacobfreibergi Peacock Cichlids should include a sandy substrate, rocks, and caves to replicate their natural environment. Providing adequate space for swimming and territories is essential. Ensure plenty of hiding spots for females and subdominant males.

Diet

• Feeding: Jacobfreibergi Peacocks are carnivores, feeding primarily on invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they should be provided with a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times a day, offering only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Like other Aulonocara species, they are maternal mouthbrooders. The female carries the fertilized eggs and, later, the fry in her mouth until they are ready to be released, usually after 2-3 weeks.
• Nesting: Males create a territory and often dig a shallow pit or use rocky caves to attract females for spawning. The male will display his vibrant colors to entice the female into his breeding territory.
• Fry Care: After the fry are released from the mother's mouth, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a small group, but larger tanks are needed if housing multiple males or mixed species.
• 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 important as they are sensitive to water quality. Regular water changes and a stable environment are essential for their health.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Jacobfreibergi Peacocks can be housed with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Malawi cichlids, such as other Aulonocara, Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs), and Protomelas. Avoid highly aggressive species or fish that are too small, as they may be harassed or eaten.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Aulonocara jacobfreibergi can live for 6 to 10 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Males display their most vibrant colors when they are dominant or during breeding. Subdominant males and females are generally less colorful.
• The species is named after German ichthyologist Jacob Freiberg, honoring his contributions to the study of Lake Malawi’s cichlids.
• Aulonocara species are known for their sensory pores on their heads, which allow them to detect movement in the substrate and locate prey