There is hardly anything as beautiful, colored and as attractive like Peacock Cichlids. These fish are explained by their vivid colors and beautiful dances, which immediately turn any aquarium into the living picture. 

They are native to the transparent waters of lake Malawi and have gained popularity since the fish keepers across the world.

Being a beginner or an experienced aquarist, it is possible to learn to take care of these beautiful fish in order to keep them healthy, alive, and happy.

The Specialty of the Peacock Cichlids?

The genus of the Aulonocara species is well known as Peacock Cichlids and is known to have an impressive coloration that varies between bright blues and yellows and dark reds and purples. 

All fish appear to be glowing inside hence it makes them one of the most beautiful fresh water species in the market.

Their quiet, inquisitive character and the fact that they get along with other fish makes them an easy fish to keep. 

Peacocks, however, are usually social, generally peaceful, and easy to handle unlike other species of aggressive cichlid.

Peacock Cichlids: Where Do they originate?

These fish inhabit the warm and alkaline waters of Lake Malawi which is one of the Great Rift Valley lakes in Africa. 

They live in the wild in sandy bottoms and rocky caves feeding on small invertebrates and crustaceans.

They have crystal-clean water in their natural environment with stable PH and temperature that are important elements to recreate in your home aquarium.

Creating the Ideal Home.

Maintaining a healthy environment is the initial stage to the effective rearing of Peacock Cichlid. A large clean tank of oxygenated water enables them to thrive and bring out the brightest colors.

Tank Setup Tips

Tank Size: minimum of 55 gallons in a small group.

Substrate: Coarse sand or smooth gravel to be comfortable.

Decor: Put in rocks, caves and holes to resemble their natural lake environment.

Filtering: Have a strong filter to ensure that the water is clear and flowing.

Lighting: They are light-moderate and boost their natural colors.

Frequent changes of water (approximately every 25 percent a week) are also needed to maintain the conditions constant and avoid stress.

Ideal Water Conditions

The Peacock Cichlids like warm water with a slight alkalinity corresponding to the water of the lake where they are found.

Parameter Ideal Range:

Temperature 75F -82F (24C -28C)

pH Level 7.8 – 8.6

Water Hardness 6 – 10 dGH

Ammonia/Nitrite 0 ppm

Maintaining such parameters will ensure that your fish remain active and have their best colors.

What Do Peacock Cichlids Eat?

Peacock Cichlids are omnivores that favor a combination of both protein and plant-food.

Feeding Tips

Staple Diet: Quality cichlid food pellets or flakes.

Protein: Brine shrimp, bloodworms or daphnia to add coloring.

Vegetables: Blanched peas, spinach or spirulina flakes are helpful in digestion.

Frequency: Feed 2-3 times/day, only the amount that they can eat within a few minutes.

Having a balanced diet makes them active and lively.

Choosing Tank Mates

They are one of the less aggressive cichlids, still, Peacocks require a partner in the tank in order to avoid clashes.

Best Companions

Other non-violent Aulonocara.

Catfish like Synodontis catfish.

Middle grade swimmers such as Yellow Labs.

Do not keep too aggressive or fin-nipping species in your aquarium to keep peace there.

The way to maintain the health of Peacock Cichlids.

Peacock Cichlids are also active, alert and have very colorful color schemes. Their beauty can easily be ruined or they become diseased by stress, bad water or wrong diet.

Common Health Tips

Examine white spots (ich) presence.

Keep the water parameters constant.

Isolate new fish prior to inserting them on your primary tank.

To prevent bloating, avoid overeating.

When your tank is properly kept healthy, your fish will remain active and will not be diseased.

Breeding of Peacock Cichlids in Home Aquariums?

Yes, and it is interesting how they breed. Peacock Cichlids are mouthbrooders, which ones are the fertilized eggs and the young fry which are held in the mouth of the female until they are ready to swim freely.

Offer flat rocks to spawn and a little warmer water (in the range of 80 deg F) to stimulate mating. The fry should also be fed on crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp after hatching.

Conclusion

Peacock Cichlids are the ideal combination of color, character and simplicity of maintenance. Their calm character, bright colors, and their lightheartedness are the reason why they are popular among aquarists of all ages.

When you want to add a show/stopping species to your aquarium, consider the splendor of red ob peacock cichlid among other bright species at Peacock Cichlid Zone, your reliable source of professional fish care and superior quality aquarium species.

FAQs

1. Are Peacock Cichlids beginner friendly?

Yes. They are robust, changeable and not very difficult to maintain their care as compared to other cichlids.

2. What is the lifespan of Cichlids, Peacock?

They have a life span of 6 to 10 years with proper care.

3. What is the size of the Peacock Cichlids?

The majority of the adults grow to 5 to 6 inches.

4. Is it possible to house more Peacock Cichlids?

Yes, and make the proportion of one male to a few females to reduce aggression.

5. How can I enhance their color?

Feed color enhancement foods, clean water and correct lighting.