Scientific name: Aulonocara baenschi

Common name: Sunshine Peacock

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Peacocks prefer live foods like brine shrimp and blood worms but will accept quality flakes and pellets.

Origin

Peacocks originate from Lake Malawi, Africa.

Sexing

Males tend to be larger than the females with more coloration.

Breeding

Peacock cichlids are mouth brooders. The female will lay her eggs on a rocky surface but collect them in her mouth after fertilization. The female will mouth brood for about 4 weeks and when the fry are released they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake foods.

Lifespan

Expected life span of Sunshine Peacock is 10 years.

Short description

Normally a relatively peaceful species, Aulonocara baenschi can become territorial, especially at spawning times. These peacocks make a great addition to any Malawi tank and are available in different color morphs.