Aulonocara hansbaenschi Breeding Guide

Breeding the Red Shoulder Peacock (Aulonocara hansbaenschi): harem spawning, sexing, sand-sifting feeding and up to four-week maternal mouthbrooding from Lake Malawi.

Overview

Aulonocara hansbaenschi, the Red Shoulder Peacock, is endemic to the southeastern shoreline of Lake Malawi, recorded from several localities, and inhabits intermediate zones where rocky areas give way to sand with scattered rocks at depths of about 3-6 m. It is a sand-sifting benthophage, taking mouthfuls of substrate and using enlarged sensory pores on the head to detect prey. It is a maternal mouthbrooder.

Sexing

Males are notably larger and more colourful than females, which are far less colourful, ranging from grey to brown in wild-type fish. The sexes become distinguishable as the males develop colour, typically from a few months of age.

Conditioning

Suit the diet to a sand-sifting feeder: fine-grade prepared foods, live or frozen chironomid (bloodworm) larvae and some vegetable matter keep breeding fish in condition over a sandy bottom.

Breeding Setup

A single male to four or more females is recommended; the species will often spawn in a community set-up but is best maintained in a dedicated tank to maximise fry yield. Provide a sandy substrate with rocky caves matching its natural intermediate habitat.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The female lays eggs and picks them up into her mouth. The male's anal-fin egg spots resemble eggs, so the female attempts to collect them and the male releases milt, fertilising the eggs inside her mouth.

Egg & Fry Care

The female carries the brood for up to four weeks before releasing fully free-swimming fry. Other Aulonocara species are best avoided in the breeding tank, as most are able to hybridise.