Caring For Peacock Cichlids

As the name suggests, peacock cichlids (genus Aulonocara) come in vivid colors, especially the males. Females and young males have muted colors, but adult males have nearly neon scales in vibrant yellows, blues, golds, reds and oranges, attracting aquarium owners as well as the target audience of females. These species are native to the same huge lake, Lake Malawi in Africa, and are relatively straightforward to care for.

  1. Tank Set-Up

    • The basics for any peacock cichlids are a freshwater tank of 40 gallons or larger, filter, heater, light, suitable substrate (some species prefer a sandy bottom while others are happy with rounded aquarium gravel), and plenty of rocks and growing plants to provide hiding places. Don̵7;t use gravel with sharp edges as this can be irritating, since these fish often will sift through the sand. Arrange some of the rocks to form caves and crevice where the fish can take shelter.

    Feeding

    • Peacock cichlids are carnivorous and do best on a diet of high quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with live food, such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae and daphnia, a few times a week. Live food not only has nutritional benefits, it also allows the cichlids to exhibit natural hunting behavior. Certain foods can enhance their colors. Spirulina enhances blues, while krill might improve reds and oranges. Feed twice a day and don̵7;t give the fish more than they can eat within a few minutes

    Water Chemistry

    • Lake Malawi is enormous, extending into three countries, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. This means conditions in the lake, and hence the most suitable conditions for different species of peacock cichlid, vary. Always research the exact needs of your chosen species. As a general rule, peacock cichlids need a temperature of about 74 to 82 degrees F, a pH of 7 to 8 (more alkaline than most freshwater fish require) and fairly hard water at about 10 to 20 dgh. Limestone rocks in the décor help maintain water hardness.

    Tankmates

    • Peacock cichlids generally are sociable and peaceful. You can keep peacock cichlids with some other cichlids. Other peaceful species from Lake Malawi would be suitable, but avoid including any aggressive species, which are likely to bully or harass peacocks. You could keep different species of peacock cichlid in the same tank, but bear in mind that they might interbreed. Don̵7;t keep too many males, of either the same or different species, as each one will need to establish his own territory.