Aulonocara baenschi (Yellow Peacock Cichlid)

Family: Cichlidae

Distribution: The Aulonocara baenschi, commonly known as the Yellow Peacock, can be found in Lake Malawi, Africa.  It has been sighted in Chiproka, Maleri Islands, Nkhomo and Usisya.

PH: 7.0 – 8.5

Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (71°F – 79°F)

Hardness: 10 – 30 dH

Description: Aulonocara baenschi can grow up to 10 cm and are relatively peaceful cichlids.  The male Yellow Peacock is named for good reason: it displays a beautiful yellow colour on its flanks and has a distinctive blue head.  The female, in comparison, has a silver hue and slight dark traces on either side of its body.  It can take up to two years for the male Yellow Peacock to reach its full brightness of colour.  This species is one of the most desirable Aulonocara simply because of its beautiful, bright appearance.

Diet: Aulonocara baenschi should be fed prepared cichlid foods, vegetable matter and live meats.

Breeding: The female Aulonocara baenschi is a mouthbrooding Malawi.  It will hold the eggs in its mouth for 24 – 30 days before releasing the fry.  It is advised you provide two or three females for your male so as to promote breeding and lower the chance of conflict between males.

Comments: While the Yellow Peacock Cichlid is generally a peaceful fish, it can become aggressive against tank mates of its own species.  If you are a newcomer to the hobby, you should bear this in mind.  Aulonocara baenschi should be housed in a tank of no less than 50 gallons if you are planning on housing it with other species.  If you are planning on a one-species tank, you could easily house one male to six females in a 40 gallon tank.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Similarly sized fish of a peaceful temperament can be housed with Aulonocara cichlids.  Do not house this species with Mbunas – they are too aggressive for this slow, peaceful Peacock cichlid – but it will be compatible with many of Haps and Utaka species.  As mentioned earlier, Aulonocara baenschi can become cantankerous within its own species, so avoid housing several of this species in your tank.