Species profile
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
This is a broad Aulonocara group record, not a species-level taxon. Care values are group guidance only and individual species/locality forms can differ.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °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
2.8
Generally more placid than mbuna, but males still defend spawning areas. A common setup is one male with several females; avoid mixing look-alike males and highly aggressive mbuna in cramped quarters.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
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
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Alternative names
Peacock Cichlid Group, Aulonocara Peacock
Native range
Aulonocara species are endemic to Lake Malawi and nearby connected waters; this generic record has no single locality.
Natural habitat
Many peacocks use sandy/intermediate habitats near rock cover. Provide open sand, caves/rock boundaries and clean, highly oxygenated hard alkaline water.
Diet & feeding
Most peacocks feed heavily on small benthic invertebrates. Use quality Malawi/cichlid pellets with varied small frozen foods; do not force a strict herbivore mbuna diet.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males are usually much more colourful; females are typically grey/brown. Hybrid and line-bred forms can make appearance-based identification unreliable.
Breeding
Aulonocara are generally polygamous maternal mouthbrooders. Exact courtship, size and aggression vary by species and strain.