Sunshine Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi) Care Guide

A brilliantly yellow peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi with a blue face and dorsal fin. Males are among the most vividly colored of all Aulonocara species.

Overview

Aulonocara baenschi is a species in the family Cichlidae. A brilliantly yellow peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi with a blue face and dorsal fin. Males are among the most vividly colored of all Aulonocara species. Peaceful compared to mbuna, best kept with other peacock species.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Aulonocara
Scientific name: Aulonocara baenschi
Other names: Benga Peacock, Aulonocara Baenschi
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Aulonocara baenschi is a peacock cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it lives over the transition between sand and rock. It uses sensory pits on the head to detect invertebrates in the substrate; males show bright yellow-blue breeding colour.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-13 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Other Peacock Cichlids, Synodontis Petricola, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Mbunas, Small Fish, Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate