Species profile
Sunshine Peacock
Aulonocara baenschi
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
250 L minimum aquarium
10–13 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Relatively placid Peacock cichlid requiring hard alkaline water, open sand and a substantial swimming footprint.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
10–25 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
2.5
Keep one male with several females where possible. Males defend display/spawning areas but are generally less relentless than mbuna.
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
Invertivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Aulonocara baenschi
Alternative names
Sunshine Peacock, Yellow Peacock, Nkhomo-benga Peacock, Aulonocara baenschi
Native range
Endemic to Lake Malawi; reported from Chipoka, Maleri Islands, Nkhomo and Usisya.
Natural habitat
Intermediate sand-and-rock habitat. Provide open fine sand for natural searching behaviour plus scattered rock refuges and open water.
Diet & feeding
Natural feeding is centred on sand-dwelling invertebrates. Offer quality cichlid foods with frozen crustaceans/invertebrates in moderation.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are bright yellow/blue and more strongly patterned; females remain comparatively plain silver-grey/brown.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. A male courts females over a sand/rock territory; the female incubates fertilised eggs and fry in her mouth.