Peacock Cichlids: Care, Types, Tank Mates & Tank Setup
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Peacock cichlids (Aulonocara) are among the most stunning freshwater fish you can keep. Native to Lake Malawi, these African cichlids are prized for their brilliant color, graceful swimming, and relatively peaceful temperament compared to aggressive mbuna. At Tilapia Store, we raise and import a wide range of peacock cichlids on our licensed Florida aquaculture farm.
Popular Types of Peacock Cichlids
Eureka Red Peacock — a vivid blend of electric blue and red-orange, one of the most sought-after peacocks.
Red Shoulder Peacock — deep red across the shoulders and body with blue highlights.
OB Peacock — a marbled, blotched pattern in orange, blue, and black; every fish is unique.
Dragon Blood Peacock — intense red-orange coloration, a hardy and popular man-made strain.
Sunshine Peacock — brilliant yellow and blue, a bright community favorite.
Electric Blue Peacock — shimmering metallic blue from head to tail.
Strawberry Peacock — soft pink to red tones, a colorful standout.
Albino Peacock — pale body with red or orange coloring, striking under aquarium light.
Blue Neon Peacock — electric blue with bold vertical barring.
Red Maleri Peacock — warm red-orange body with blue accents.
German Red (Nkhomo-Benga) Peacock — rich red and yellow, a classic strain.
Lemon Jake Peacock — bright yellow and blue with long flowing fins.
Note that peacock cichlids are famous for variety. When bred, a single spawn can produce fish resembling many different types, which is why we identify our peacocks by appearance and trade name rather than strict scientific classification.
Peacock Cichlid Care
Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks better for groups.
Water Temperature: Keep between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
pH: Peacocks thrive in hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.8 to 8.6, matching Lake Malawi.
Diet: Feed a quality cichlid pellet along with frozen foods. Avoid foods high in protein that can cause bloat.
Temperament: Peacocks are among the most peaceful African cichlids, though males can be territorial during breeding.
Tank Mates
Peacock cichlids pair well with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament, including other peacocks and milder haps. Avoid housing them with aggressive mbuna, which can bully and stress them.
Why Hobbyists Love Peacock Cichlids
Peacocks offer the dazzling color of saltwater fish with the hardiness of freshwater cichlids. Their calm nature, brilliant males, and wide range of types make them a centerpiece in any African cichlid aquarium.
All peacock cichlids are raised and shipped from our licensed Florida aquaculture farm, backed by over 50 years of fish breeding experience and our Live Arrival Guarantee.