Scientific name: Aulonocara Red Shoulder

Common name: Red Shoulder Peacock cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.4 - 8.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 30°N (214.29 - 535.71ppm)

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

Peacock Cichlids are omnivorous and will accept a variety of live, frozen and dried foods. Be sure to include veggies in their diet to aide in digestion.

Sexing

The sexual dimorphism in this species is very noticeable in this species. Males exhibit such brilliant colors while females are grayish-brown. The males will have longer fins and “dummy egg spots” on his anal fin which comes in handy while breeding.

Breeding

This mouth brooding cichlid will clear a spot on a rock to lay eggs. The female takes her brood of approximately 25 eggs into her mouth and picks at “dummy egg spots” located on the male’s anal fin. This causes the male to release sperm which the female will take into her mouth to fertilize the eggs. She will protect her eggs/fry in her mouth for up to 4 weeks during which time she will not eat. It is best to keep her in a private breeding tank so that she does not get picked on by other fish in her weakened state.

Lifespan

This Peacock Cichlid can live for 12 years or longer, depending on how well it is cared for.

Origin

Peacock Cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi in the East African Rift Valley.

Short Description

There are several color variations of the peacock cichlid occurring in Lake Malawi. The color varieties blend from one to the next as they are found from area to area. These fish are not very demanding of their water conditions and therefore make a great beginner species for aquarists just starting out.