Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
6 inches
Temperature
76-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
7.8-8.6
Lifespan
10 years
About Peacock Cichlid
Peacock cichlids are a group of stunningly colored species from Lake Malawi in East Africa, belonging to the genus Aulonocara. Males display some of the most brilliant coloring in the freshwater world, with metallic blues, reds, oranges, and yellows that rival marine fish. Females are typically a more subdued silver-gray. Unlike the rock-dwelling mbuna, peacocks are open-water hunters that hover above the sandy substrate, using their specialized lateral line system to detect tiny invertebrates buried in the sand. They are generally less aggressive than mbuna, making them more suitable for mixed African cichlid communities. Numerous species and regional variants exist, with popular varieties including the OB peacock, strawberry, and sunshine.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- • pH: 7.8 - 8.6
- • Category: Cichlid
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Peacock cichlids need a tank of at least 55 gallons with a sandy substrate that allows their natural sand-sifting hunting behavior. Provide some rocks for territory but leave open sandy areas for foraging. They require hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.6 and temperatures of 76-82°F. Keep one male per species or color variant to prevent hybridization, with multiple females per male. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. Unlike mbuna, peacocks benefit from a more protein-rich diet. Avoid mixing with highly aggressive mbuna that may bully the more mellow peacocks. Males develop their full coloring over 12-18 months, so be patient with young fish.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
15cm
Adult Size (6")
10yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Peacock Cichlid
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Tank Mates for Peacock Cichlid
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania sp.
moderate · 20+ gal
Red Eye Tetra
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Peacock Cichlid need?
A Peacock Cichlid needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres).
What water parameters does a Peacock Cichlid need?
Peacock Cichlid thrive in water between 76-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 7.8-8.6.
Are Peacock Cichlid easy to care for?
Peacock Cichlid are considered moderate to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Peacock Cichlid get and what do they eat?
Peacock Cichlid reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Peacock cichlids need a tank of at least 55 gallons with a sandy substrate that allows their natural sand-sifting hunting behavior. Provide some rocks for territory but leave open sandy areas for foraging. They require hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.6 and temperatures of 76-82°F. Keep one male per species or color variant to prevent hybridization, with multiple females per male. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. Unlike mbuna, peacocks benefit from a more protein-rich diet. Avoid mixing with highly aggressive mbuna that may bully the more mellow peacocks. Males develop their full coloring over 12-18 months, so be patient with young fish.