Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Flavescent Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti Meyer & Riehl, 1985
Also called Flavescent Peacock, Grant's Peacock, Flametail, Blue Neon, Tanzania Yellow
From Endemic to Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania), found along both coasts in the transition zone where rocky shores meet sand.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongated haplochromine cichlid (peacock)
A streamlined peacock cichlid with enlarged sensory canals on the head. Males are bigger and much brighter than the females.24
Personality what they are like
A fairly peaceful species overall, though males are territorial towards fish with a similar colour pattern.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves between open water and rocky cover and spends time searching the sand for food; some individuals stay near caves while others roam in groups over sand.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water clean and stable with good filtration and regular water changes.2
Home where they are happiest
Tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres) with sand and rock piles. Temperature 22 to 29 C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, hardness 10 to 25 dGH.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feeds on small invertebrates living in the sand. In the aquarium offer quality dry foods plus freeze-dried or frozen bloodworm and Artemia, in several small meals a day.12
Company who they like around
Keep one male with 4 to 6 females; avoid other Aulonocara species to prevent crossbreeding.2
The story where it all began
Described in 1985 and named after Stuart M. Grant (1937 to 2007), who exported Lake Malawi cichlids for the aquarium trade. The many local colour forms mean its classification is still debated.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The common name 'flavescent' means yellowish, after the fish's colouring.3
- 2
The genus name Aulonocara refers to the enlarged sensory canals on the head.2
- 3
Blue forms dominate in the north of its range and yellow forms in the south.2
- 4
All Aulonocara are maternal mouthbrooders, and females hold the brood for up to about four weeks.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Meyer and Riehl in 1985; A. hansbaenschi and A. steveni are treated as synonyms by IUCN and Catalog of Fishes but as valid by FishBase3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Flavescent Peacock Cichlid?
Feed your Flavescent Peacock Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding in small portions to match their natural foraging. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat small invertebrates in the sand, and in the aquarium enjoy quality dry foods plus freeze-dried or frozen bloodworm and Artemia. Never feed them anything not listed here; ask your vet for a safe diet plan.21
How much space does a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid need?
They need a tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is about 240 litres. Provide sand and rock piles for hiding and exploring.21
What temperature, light or water does a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 29°C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, and hardness 10 to 25 dGH. They need stable, clean water with good filtration.21
How often should I clean a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, and a weekly glass clean. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water.2 Furry Diary plan
Can a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid live with others?
Yes, keep one male with 4 to 6 females, but avoid other Aulonocara species to prevent crossbreeding. They are fairly peaceful, though males are territorial towards similar-coloured fish.2
How long does a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle a Flavescent Peacock Cichlid?
It's best not to handle them as it causes stress and can damage their delicate body and fins. Enjoy watching them swim and explore instead.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Aulonocara stuartgranti fishbase.seused for size, temperature, distribution, diet, IUCN
- Seriously Fish: Aulonocara stuartgranti seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, behaviour, colour forms, etymology
- Wikipedia: Aulonocara stuartgranti en.wikipedia.orgused for name origin, synonyms, range countries
- Wikipedia: Aulonocara en.wikipedia.orgused for genus traits
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.