Peacock Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

scales

Peacock cichlids have an elongated, streamlined body typical of cichlids. Males blaze in vivid metallic blues, golds, oranges and reds depending on the species or line, while females and subordinate males remain a plain grey-brown with faint vertical bars.35

Personality what they are like

Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially males towards other males with similar colouration. However, they are much more peaceful than mbuna cichlids and can be kept in a community with other non-aggressive rift-lake species.325

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active swimmers that spend most of their time in the middle and lower parts of the tank, constantly sifting through sand for food. They need open swimming areas as well as rocky hiding spots.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Water quality is critical; they are sensitive to swings in parameters. Use a powerful filter (canister or sump) and perform weekly water changes of 30-50%. A fine sand substrate is essential for natural feeding behaviour.23

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank size 200 litres (53 gallons). They require hard, alkaline water with a pH above 8.0 and carbonate hardness (KH) above 8 dKH to prevent pH crashes. Provide a fine sand substrate, piles of rockwork for territories, and open swimming areas. They are not suitable for soft, acidic water.325

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous with a preference for protein. In the wild they sift sand for invertebrates. In captivity offer high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and some vegetable matter such as spirulina. Feed 3-4 small meals daily.25

Company who they like around

Best kept as one male with 4-6 females to reduce aggression. Avoid mixing with other Aulonocara species to prevent hybridisation. Mbuna are usually too boisterous. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful Malawi cichlids and catfish.25

The story where it all began

Peacock cichlids have been popular in the aquarium hobby for decades, prized for the brilliant colours of dominant males. They are often recommended as a gateway into African cichlids because they are hardier and less aggressive than mbuna. Many colour strains have been line-bred in captivity.35