Aulonocara Yellow Peacock

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. (often referenced as Aulonocara saulosi in the hobby)
• Common Names: Yellow Peacock Cichlid, Aulonocara Yellow Peacock
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Physical Description

• Coloration: Males are characterized by their bright yellow bodies, often with blue or turquoise highlights on the face, dorsal fin, and tail. Females typically have a more subdued coloration, appearing gray or silver with yellow undertones.
• Size: Males typically reach a size of about 5-6 inches (12-15 cm), while females are slightly smaller, generally growing to about 3-4 inches (8-10 cm).
• Body Shape: The Aulonocara Yellow Peacock has an elongated and somewhat laterally compressed body with a rounded head.
• Fins: The dorsal fin of males is often large and can display a brilliant blue or turquoise coloration, enhancing their beauty.

Behavior

• Temperament: The Yellow Peacock is known for being relatively peaceful compared to other cichlids, making it a good candidate for community tanks. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, but they are generally less aggressive than many Mbuna species.
• Social Structure: It's best to keep one male with multiple females to reduce aggression among males. They do well in a harem breeding setup.
• Activity Level: These fish are active swimmers, usually occupying the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit rocky and sandy areas of Lake Malawi, where they graze on algae and small invertebrates.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a sandy substrate and plenty of rocks or caves for hiding and territory establishment. Ensure there is open swimming space for them to explore.

Diet

• Feeding: The Yellow Peacock is omnivorous, and in captivity, it thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional treats like frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Aulonocara Yellow Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. After the female lays eggs, she collects them in her mouth to incubate until they hatch, which takes about 2-3 weeks.
• Nesting: Males establish territories and display to attract females. During breeding, males can become more colorful and aggressive as they defend their territories.
• 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 keeping a group of Aulonocara Yellow Peacocks, especially if you want to maintain multiple females and a male.
• 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 good water quality, as cichlids are sensitive to poor conditions. Regular water changes are also essential.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: The Yellow Peacock can coexist with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids, such as other Aulonocara species, Copadichromis, and certain Haplochromis. Avoid mixing them with overly aggressive species like Mbuna cichlids.
• Behavior with Others: Males may become territorial, especially during breeding, so it's important to provide adequate space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Aulonocara Yellow Peacocks can live for 5 to 10 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The vibrant yellow coloration of males makes them highly sought after by hobbyists and aquarists.
• Their relatively peaceful nature compared to other cichlid species makes them suitable for community tanks with other cichlids of similar temperament.
• The Aulonocara genus includes various other peacock cichlids, each with its own unique coloration and characteristics.