Eureka Red Peacock Care Guide
The Eureka Red is a selectively bred colour form of Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, a cave-dwelling fairy cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi.
Overview
The Eureka Red peacock is a selectively bred colour form of Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi described by Johnson in 1974. Also known as the fairy cichlid or Freiberg's peacock, the species has several colour morphs including red and yellow varieties. Males are vividly coloured while females are drab brown.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Aulonocara
- Scientific name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
Habitat
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi is endemic to Lake Malawi and has been observed at Nkudzi, Monkey Bay, Nankumba, the Domwe Islands and Otter Point. According to FishBase, northern populations inhabit pure rocky areas with large boulders, while in southern populations males occupy small caves in intermediate habitats.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (record); FishBase reports 24-26 °C
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (FishBase: 7.5-8.0)
- GH: 8-20 °dGH (FishBase: 9-19 dH)
- Maximum size: about 15 cm (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level of about 3.6. In aquariums it accepts prepared foods; a sand substrate suits the sediment-foraging habits typical of peacocks.
Compatibility
A. jacobfreibergi is one of the more assertive peacocks and is best kept with other peacocks and haplochromines. Aggressive mbuna and very small fish or shrimp are best avoided. The record lists Synodontis catfish as suitable companions.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder. FishBase notes a fecundity of up to about 50 eggs per spawning event, which the female incubates in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).