Origin and Behavior
Aulonocara species inhabit the sandy bottoms and intermediate zones of Lake Malawi. Unlike Mbuna (which live among rocks), peacocks hover over open sand and feed by sifting it for invertebrates.
Behavior is significantly less aggressive than Mbuna. Males display by extending fins and shimmering color; physical fighting is rare.
Tank Setup
Minimum 75-gallon for a small group. 125-gallon for mixed-species peacock display tank.
Mix sand bottom with moderate rockwork — peacocks need open swimming space and a few caves for refuge.
Same water parameters as Mbuna: pH 7.8–8.6, GH 10–20, temp 76–82°F.
Diet
Carnivore-leaning omnivore. NLS Cichlid Formula, Hikari Cichlid Gold, occasional frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
Avoid bloodworms — peacocks are prone to bloat from soft, juicy foods.
Color Varieties
Sunshine peacock (yellow-blue), strawberry peacock (red-pink), eureka red, German red, OB peacock (orange-blotch), blue Otter Point peacock, dragon blood.
Many strains in the trade are line-bred or hybridized. Pure wild-type fish (like Aulonocara stuartgranti from specific reefs) command higher prices.
Mixing with Other Cichlids
Peacocks coexist well with Haps (Lake Malawi) and other peacocks of different colors.
Avoid mixing with Mbuna in tanks under 125-gallon — Mbuna out-compete peacocks for food and territory.
Maintain 2–4 females per male to spread breeding pressure.