The Peacock Cichilds-A Basic Guide for Freshwater Cichlids

Malawi Peacocks are arguably some of the prettiest African Cichlids offered in the trade. Because of their high tolerance to changes in water chemistry, they are an easy beginner species. There are 10 recognized species of Peacock Cichlid in the Aulonocara genus, including A. baenschi, A. hansbaenschi, and A. jacobfreibergi.

Basic Care for Peacock Cichlids

Peacock Cichlids offer a relatively low maintenance aquarium fish to upkeep. Like other African Cichlids, Peacocks require tropical temperatures, 75-81° F, and a high range pH in between 7.5-9.0. They don’t require multiple feedings throughout the day to curb aggression, and they can be kept in a planted tank provided that the plants are firmly secured. It should be noted that Cichlids will sometimes eat plants. It should also be noted that Cichlids dig caves and disrupt plants and decorations. This is simply their way. They should be provided with plenty of hiding places – rocks are preferred, but clay flower pots work just as well. A small grain, sandy bottom should be provided. With all aquariums it is advised to change 10-20 percent of the water each week while cleaning the gravel.

In order to maintain their brilliant coloration, you will need to offer your Peacock Cichlid with a diverse diet that includes a healthy mix of plant and animal matter. In addition to commercial African Cichlid pellets, you can also supplement their diet with frozen fish food, like spirulina algae and brine shrimp, as well as small portions of whole shrimp, krill, fresh leafy greens, and worms. In general, food items like beef heart should be excluded from their diet. Malawi Cichlids should be fed plant matter and brine shrimp at least twice a week. This will help to clean out their digestive tracks and help to prevent Malawi Bloat.

Compatible Fish with Peacock Cichlids

In general, you should avoid mixing Mbuna and other rowdy tank mates with your Peacock Cichlids. Instead, consider adding other species of Peacocks and catfish – Synodontis catfish do well in African Cichlid tanks. Peacocks can also be mixed with other peaceful Cichlids from Lake Malawi and Victoria, like small, peaceful Malawi Haps. However, with the exception of Lake Malawi and Victoria, it is important to remember that you should avoid combining fish that originate from different lakes.

If you’re having difficulty curbing territorial disputes, you can also add in hardy species of schooling fish, like larger tetras and Rainbowfish. Congo Tetra, Roseline Sharks, Silver Dollar, Tin Foil Barbs and Giant Danio's also work well in a Peacock Tank. Keep in mind that you will need to create an actual school for this to work - small groups fewer than 6 fish won’t suffice. Because the Peacock Cichlid requires a high range pH, you will need to acclimate freshwater fish kept with a neutral pH slowly so they are not shocked by the rapid change in water chemistry.

Breeding Peacock Cichlids

As long as all of their basic care requirements are met, it is not difficult to breed Peacock Cichlids. Because there are many similar common names, always ask for the scientific name before setting out to breed your fish. Aside from picking specimens that show the best coloration, you should also make sure that you create a proper breeding ratio – a single male to several females. If there are not enough females in your breeding tank, the male will harass the females until they are too stressed and weak to breed.

If the brooding female is being harassed too much you can move to her to a temporary breeding tank until she releases the babies. However, you should avoid transporting her immediately after she picks up the fertilized eggs because she may begin to stress and release them. The OB Peacock Cichlid is actually a hybrid fish produced from a cross between Mbuna and Peacocks, and therefore has a relatively unpredictable temperament and should not be bred.