Furry Diary

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara hansbaenschi Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987

Also called Aulonocara 'Fort Maguire', Firebird Cichlid, Red Flush, Red Flash, Red Peacock

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to the south-eastern shore of Lake Malawi in Mozambique and Malawi, between Fort Maguire and Masinje, with records also from Mara Point and Thumbi West Island.123

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Length8.4 to 12 cm12
Sizesmall
Bright red shoulder flash
Fairly peaceful
Suits a medium-sized tank
21

Looks how to spot one

Compact peacock cichlid

A tidy, rounded peacock; males show a blue head and body with a bright red-orange patch on the shoulder.2

Coloursblue body (males)red to orange shoulder patch (males)females duller brownish2

Personality what they are like

Gentle for a cichlid, often tucking into caves; males are only feisty with similarly patterned fish.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A calm bottom-hunter that sifts sand for small creatures and retreats into caves to rest.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Fine sand to sift, caves and rock piles for shelter, and stable, clean hard water.21

Home where they are happiest

A tank with a base of at least 90 x 45 cm (about 182 litres; FishBase suggests 100 cm length), 23 to 29 C, pH about 7.4 to 9.0 and 10 to 25 dGH.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Bottom-feeder; give fine-grade quality foods plus small live or frozen chironomid larvae and some vegetable matter, in 3 to 4 small meals.21

Company who they like around

One male with four to six females; pairs well with peaceful cichlids such as Copadichromis and Labidochromis caeruleus.21

The story where it all began

Meyer, Riehl and Zetzsche described it in 1987 from the south-eastern shore of Lake Malawi. Some researchers regard it as a local form of Aulonocara stuartgranti, but it is widely sold in the hobby as the Red Shoulder Peacock.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is known from only a handful of spots on the lake's south-eastern shore.2

  2. 2

    In the wild it likes to hide in caves and hunts tiny invertebrates living in the sand.1

  3. 3

    Scientists still debate whether it is a full species or a regional form of Aulonocara stuartgranti.3

  4. 4

    Females carry their young in their mouths for up to four weeks.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Not evaluated separately; IUCN treats it as a synonym of Aulonocara stuartgranti3
FishBase
Listed as a valid species, described by Meyer, Riehl and Zetzsche in 19871

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid?

Feed your gentle bottom-hunter 3 to 4 small meals each day, as they naturally sift for tiny creatures. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests small amounts once or twice daily, so you can adjust based on your fish's activity and the food label. Always check with your vet for the perfect routine.21 Furry Diary plan

What does a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

This calm cichlid enjoys fine-grade quality foods, small live or frozen chironomid larvae, and some vegetable matter. Avoid any foods that are too large or sink too fast, as they are not suited for a bottom-feeder. For a complete list of unsafe items, ask your exotic-pet vet.21

How much space does a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid need?

A tank with a base of at least 90 x 45 cm (about 182 litres) gives this tidy fish room to sift sand and explore caves. That's a comfortable home for a single male with a small group of females. More space is always welcome for their peaceful nature.21

What temperature, light or water does a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid need?

Keep the water warm at 23 to 29°C, with a pH around 7.4 to 9.0 and hardness of 10 to 25 dGH. Lighting needs vary by tank setup, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for guidance. Stable, clean hard water is key for this beautiful fish.21

How often should I clean a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, glass cleaning, and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water (never tap water) to keep the environment stable. Your fish will thrive with this gentle routine. Furry Diary plan

Can a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid live with others?

Yes, they are gentle for a cichlid and do best as one male with four to six females. They pair well with peaceful cichlids like Copadichromis and Labidochromis caeruleus. Avoid similarly patterned fish to prevent feisty behavior.21

How long does a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment, so it's best to ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for a typical range. With proper feeding and clean water, these calm fish can be a long-term companion.

Can I handle a Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended as fish are delicate and stress easily. If you need to move your cichlid, use a soft net and ask your vet for the safest method. Enjoy watching them sift sand and explore their caves instead.

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.

  1. FishBase species summary: Aulonocara hansbaenschi Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987 fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
  2. Seriously Fish: Aulonocara hansbaenschi Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987 seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Aulonocara hansbaenschi Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987 en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. 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.