Aulonocara Pink Peacock

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. (hybrid, exact parentage varies)
• Common Names: Pink Peacock Cichlid, Strawberry Peacock
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Hybrid (captive-bred), not found in the wild

Physical Description

• Color: The most striking feature of the Pink Peacock is its bright, pinkish to reddish coloration. Males typically display the most vibrant colors, while females may have more subdued pink hues or be silvery in color. The intensity of the pink can vary depending on the individual fish and its breeding lineage.
• Size: Males can grow up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, while females are usually smaller, around 3-4 inches (8-10 cm).
• Body Shape: Pink Peacocks have the typical Aulonocara body shape, with a moderately elongated and slightly compressed body. The head is somewhat pointed, and they have large, expressive eyes.
• Fins: Males exhibit long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, often with some subtle edging or color contrasts.

Behavior

• Temperament: Pink Peacocks are semi-aggressive, similar to other peacock cichlids. Males can be territorial, especially when breeding or in the presence of other males. However, they are generally less aggressive than Mbuna cichlids.
• Social Structure: It's best to keep Pink Peacocks in a harem-style setup with one male and multiple females to distribute the male’s attention. Multiple males can be housed together in larger tanks, but territorial disputes may arise.
• Swimming Style: They are active swimmers and tend to occupy the middle and bottom areas of the tank, foraging in the sand and interacting with their environment.

Habitat

• Aquarium Setup: Since Pink Peacocks are a hybrid species bred in captivity, they don't have a "natural" habitat. However, they prefer aquariums that mimic the rocky and sandy environments of Lake Malawi. Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, caves, and a sandy substrate. They also need open swimming spaces to thrive.

Diet

• Feeding: Pink Peacocks are omnivores with a diet that leans toward protein-rich foods. In the wild, Aulonocara species feed on invertebrates in the sand, but in captivity, they do well with a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Like other peacocks, Pink Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. After the female lays eggs and the male fertilizes them, the female carries the eggs in her mouth until they hatch and the fry are ready to be released.
• Nesting: Males will create a territory, often clearing a sandy area, where they display their colors to attract females.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are released from the mother’s mouth, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a group of Pink Peacocks. Larger tanks are required if keeping multiple males or mixing with other cichlid 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 necessary to maintain water quality. Malawi cichlids, including hybrids like Pink Peacocks, are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes are essential.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Pink Peacocks can be kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids. Suitable tank mates include other Aulonocara species, Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs), and Copadichromis species. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive Mbuna species, as they may be too aggressive for the more peaceful Pink Peacock.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Pink Peacock Cichlids can live for 5 to 8 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The pink coloration is a result of selective breeding, and individual fish may vary in color depending on their lineage.
• Despite their bright colors, Pink Peacocks are not found in the wild and are exclusively bred in captivity.
• Their relatively peaceful nature, combined with their striking appearance, makes them popular among hobbyists new to keeping African cichlids.