Flavescent Peacock Care Guide
Aulonocara stuartgranti is a sand-foraging peacock cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, kept for its metallic-blue and yellow males.
Overview
The flavescent peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti) is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, described by Meyer & Riehl in 1985. The common name refers to the yellowish coloration, and males show metallic blue with yellow to orange flanks. The specific epithet honours cichlid exporter Stuart M. Grant. It is one of the more popular and variable Malawi peacock cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Aulonocara
- Scientific name: Aulonocara stuartgranti
Habitat
The species lives in Lake Malawi across Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, occurring along the coast between Ngara and Chizi Point. According to FishBase it is benthopelagic; some individuals are very shy and hide permanently in caves, while others form large schools over sand.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (record); FishBase reports 22-26 °C
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 11.8 cm (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Aulonocara stuartgranti is a benthic forager that feeds on sand-dwelling invertebrates, detecting prey in the substrate. In aquariums it is an omnivore and accepts prepared foods; a fine sand substrate suits its natural sifting behaviour.
Compatibility
It is a relatively mild, middle-water Malawi cichlid that does best in communities of other peacocks and haplochromines. More boisterous mbuna and very small fish are best avoided. The record lists Synodontis catfish as suitable tankmates.
Breeding
Like other Aulonocara, it is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female holds and incubates the eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).