Description
Geographic Range: Aulonocara species, commonly known as Peacock Cichlids, are endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
Diet:
Aulonocara species are primarily carnivorous.
In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and insect larvae.
In captivity, they should be fed a diet consisting mainly of high-quality pellets or flakes designed for cichlids, supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill.
Average Adult Size:
Adult Aulonocara species typically reach sizes ranging from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), depending on the specific species and gender.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Aulonocara species.
Larger tanks are preferred, especially for keeping multiple males with females or for mixed African cichlid communities.
Temperament:
Aulonocara species are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
They are relatively docile compared to other cichlid species from Lake Malawi.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 7.5-8.5
Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
Hardness: Lake Malawi cichlids prefer hard water with a dH range of 10-20.
Ammonia: Should be maintained at zero ppm (parts per million).
Nitrite: Should be maintained at zero ppm.
Nitrate: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration.