Species profile
OB Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara hybrid
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
250 L minimum aquarium
10–12 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Captive OB-pattern Peacock hybrid. Husbandry should follow medium Aulonocara-type Malawi cichlids, but exact behaviour can vary with parentage.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
2.6
Usually milder than mbuna but hybrid temperament varies. Avoid multiple similarly coloured males in cramped quarters and provide open sand plus visual breaks.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Alternative names
OB Peacock, Orange Blotch Peacock, Calico Peacock, Aulonocara hybrid
Native range
Captive aquarium hybrid; no natural geographic range.
Natural habitat
Use a Lake Malawi-style aquarium with hard alkaline water, open sand, some rock cover and ample swimming space.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality Malawi/peacock pellets or granules with frozen invertebrate foods in moderation; avoid rich mammalian protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males are usually more intensely coloured; females are generally duller, but OB patterning and mixed ancestry make colour-based sexing less reliable.
Breeding
Aulonocara-type hybrids are maternal mouthbrooders. Females carry eggs and fry orally; colour inheritance is unpredictable.