Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: Africa
Peacock Cichlids are the more peaceful African cichlids with stunning metallic blue, red, and yellow colors. Less aggressive than Mbuna.
Min Tank
55 gal
Max Size
6"
Temperature
76-82°F
pH
7.5-8.5
Lifespan
8 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
middle
Hardness
12-25 dGH
semi-aggressiveintermediateomnivore
Care Tips
- • Less aggressive than Mbuna
- • Hard alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5)
- • Males are colorful, females plain
- • Keep 1 male to 3-4 females per variety
- • Sand substrate — they sift for food
Feeding: Cichlid pellets, frozen foods. Mix of meaty and plant-based.
Compatibility Notes: Less aggressive than Mbuna. Can be kept with other peacocks and mild haps. Hard alkaline water only.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 55 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 75 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 76–82°F
- pH Range
- 7.5–8.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 12–25
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Less aggressive than Mbuna. Can be kept with other peacocks and mild haps. Hard alkaline water only.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- mouth brooder
- Breeding Difficulty
- easy
- Lifespan
- 8 years
Ideal For
55 galloncichlid tank
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
72-82°FpH 6.5-85+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+1.5"
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
70-80°FpH 7-810+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+3"
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
72-82°FpH 7-8.520+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+4.5"
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
72-82°FpH 7-8.520+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+5.5"
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
peaceful5"
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
68-82°FpH 7-85+ gal
peaceful2.5"
