Apart from Commercial foods, veggies, live foods and freeze-dried foods, there are some other options as well to feed your Peacock Cichlids. Preferably, only one male should be in the tank. High-quality fish flakes and pellets will also be readily accepted, but they should not comprise a significant part of the diet. For community tanks, the gallon size should be at least doubled. Cichlids will readily explore them and use them to stake out different territories. They also interbreed, so there are literally hundreds of colour, pattern and fin and tail shape combinations. They generally display colors of greens, yellows and whites. This is said to be one of their most unusual and stunning behaviors to watch, both in the wild and in home aquariums. Bigger is always better, and it may be a good idea to invest in a larger tank. SIZE: Peacock Cichlids usually range in size from 4-6" (10-15 cm). Peacock cichlids can be kept in the same tank with other cichlids as well as other peaceful community species.Compared to other Lake Malawi cichlids, Peacock cichlids are relatively peaceful. These cichlids are very hardy. Sizes usually range from 4 to 6 inches. Some compatible tank mate species that peacocks are often housed with include: Many keepers have also reported success with adding snails to the aquarium. Aulonocara Firefish are brilliant red cichlids that we recommend for all peacock cichlid tanks. Experienced aquarists also appreciate them for their captivating behavior and laidback temperament in community tanks. All are from the genus Aulonocara, and popular with aquarists because of the bright colors that males display, which is also their characteristic that helped them get the name of Peacock Cichlid. Female cichlids get along well and can be kept together, but males will become territorial. Cichlids may appreciate live plants, but otherwise, silk plants or a hardscape will work fine. Though, it’s best to make sure these foods sink quickly since peacocks are bottom dwellers and tend to stay in the lower and middle water columns. It’s not recommended to keep multiple varieties of peacock cichlids together. Scientific Name: Aulonocara rubescens Place of Origin: Lake Malawi Adult Size: 5 - 6" Temperament: Peaceful, conspecific aggressive Description: This variety of the Sunshine Peacock was selected for its bright red body that has specs of brilliant blue. Peacock Cichlid. Male Peacock Cichlids develop bright colors as they reach maturity. Many African cichlids are aggressive toward other fish in their native habitat and captivity. 8 to 12 years. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Use a coral sand substrate to keep the water alkaline. The average size of a male peacock cichlid is roughly 6 inches, with females typically maxing out at 4 inches. Most peacocks will grow to about 5-6 inches in size. It all depends on what subspecies of peacock cichlid you own. Because of their popularity and beauty, peacock cichlids are commonly bred in captivity. Their size can be influenced by the quality of their care, but also the location in which they come from. While this is the bread and butter of our business we have expanded to the breeding of all types of Cichlids including Victorian and Tanganyikan Cichlids. I’ve also made a quick sizes checklist for the … Middle. 11 Perfectly Quiet Wave Makers for Great Water Flow, Getting Systematic – The 10 Best Genera of Beginner Aquarium Plants, Freshwater & Brackish Puffers: How to Properly Keep them in Your Tank, Natural pH Control in a Freshwater Aquarium: a Practical Beginners Guide, A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Chiller for Your Aquarium, Protein Skimmer: Ultimate Buying Guide plus 11 Reviews, LED Aquarium Lighting: 11 Great Fixtures for Freshwater, Planted and Reef Tanks. Some foods that you can feed the peacock cichlids include: These cichlids will accept live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Peacocks exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males display brilliant colors … Keeping them with other African fish usually creates reliable results. Instead, this fish features colors from every spectrum. Feed live and frozen brine shrimp along with Spirulina-based flake and pellet foods. The Red Peacock Cichlid should be fed a variety of both meaty and vegetable-based foods. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Peacock Cichlid Size Peacock cichlids usually range in size with the average being anywhere from 4 to 6 inches , which means the fish can fit in a tank that is between 45 and 55 gallons. Inter-species breeding is relatively common. They are usually peaceful when kept in the right conditions. How Peacock Cichlids Breed? Remarks: This Dragon Blood, or Fire Fish, is a hybrid, but its origins are unknown. However, to prevent creating more hybrids, it’s wise not to keep multiple species of peacock cichlids together. … Peacock Cichlid – Size, Types, Care, Tank Mates & Details! Without plants providing extra natural filtration, aquarists may need to invest in higher quality filtration systems to have a more strict cleaning regime. Indeed, the peacock cichlid has a feature to appeal to every aquarist. Offering stunning coloration and enjoyable behaviors to watch, they are one of the most popular fish species you can keep in your freshwater aquarium. These fish can take a decent current, so almost. Another consideration is to avoid other bottom dwellers so that these cichlids don’t have to share their space. Hybrids are also tricky to identify in the aquarium trade. Either way, hobbyists get to enjoy beautiful fish with striking appearances and fascinating behaviors. Their colours are different depending on which part of the lake they live in. 1:54. Because of the depths, peacock cichlids inhabit in the wild, plants are more sparse and so are unnecessary in home aquariums. Preferably, only one male should be in the tank. This does not mean that the color won't change as it ages - it often will. This cichlid lives an average of eight years, longer than many freshwater fish but shorter than some other cichlid varieties. Peacocks are no different, and most of the species can be found within this lake. African Cichlids Size. Peacock Cichlid size. All Peacock Cichlids come from Lake Malawi as mentioned in our general overview section, so your aquarium should closely resemble the conditions found there. German Red Peacock cichlid Stunning dominant Male - Lake Malawi Peacock - Duration: 1:54. Peacock cichlids have long been favored in the aquarium industry, and it’s easy to understand why. They show a remarkable variation in color and pattern, and we will do our best to select the color you request using the options below. Peacock Cichlids are quite adaptable and don't require any special water chemistry, though they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites and will need regular water changes. Though housing other bottom dwellers may be fine in large aquariums, it’s best avoided. If you’re looking for a stunning cichlid for a species-only tank or as an addition to a current tank, look no farther than the peacock cichlid. Whatever color you can name or think of, it’s sure to be featured on a peacock cichlid. Though peacocks are not recommended for beginner fish keepers, they are an excellent choice for beginner cichlid keepers. Please try again. (Diet and Feeding), How to Set Up Your Peacock Cichlid Breeding Tank. Scientific Name: Aulonocara nyassae Common Name: O.B. These Peacocks will display a solid blue head. However, they don’t just favor the deep blues and greens found in peacocks. The Rubin Red Peacock Aulonocara stuartgranti "Chipoka" is a favorite with its outstanding colors. And each variety is just as colorful as the last! They are bottom dwellers, though they don’t inhabit the deepest parts of Lake Malawi. While mixing different species of Cichlids, donâ t put African and South American Cichlids together. Other Meaty Foods for Peacock Cichlids. Other genetic components play a part as well, but they are impractical to test for. Size. The German Red Peacock cichlid is sexually dimorphic, which means that the males display bright colors and the females remain a dull grey/brown color. This genus is strongly sexually dichromic, even by haplochromine standards. Individuals. The water should have a pH from 8.0-8.2, a water hardness 10-18 dH, and a warmer temperature of 79-84F . It can be difficult to prevent in tanks with multiple species if the fish aren’t all females. Compared to other Lake Malawi cichlids, Peacock cichlids are relatively peaceful. This will keep your cichlid in top shape and preserve its vibrant coloring. They’re popular amongst beginner cichlid keepers and experienced keepers who favor community tanks. The Cichlids are usually found to be living in the gaps between the rocks in … Since you will need a fairly large tank to house Peacock Cichlids properly, it may take several months for the tank to cycle. Other aggressive fish will cause peacock cichlids to respond sharply, which should be avoided. Lake Malawi is over 2,300 ft. deep, but peacock cichlids usually prefer areas roughly 100 – 130 ft. Some species can even bite you. They are especially useful if you have younger Peacock Cichlids that are small in size. Below is a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a cichlid tank: Another décor such as caves, terra cotta pots, and similar aquarium-safe hiding places can also be added. Malawi lake houses many different ecosystems, and the animals within it have had years to evolve and breed. Community aquariums with these fish are sure to be a stunning sight. These active fish needs lots of surface area to explore and open space for swimming. All Aulonocara species are maternal mouth brooders. But deciding on a peacock isn’t the hard part— that comes when you have to pick between over a dozen gorgeous varieties! How to feed the Peacock Cichlid? You would not want your tank to be vertically big. These fish may be territorial (especially males of the species), but they are generally not aggressive. Yellow Peacocks are also peaceful enough to be housed with some non Cichlid hard water Barb species and Rainbow fish. ). Hardness: peacocks prefer water that’s 4 – 6 dH. Despite their hardy nature, peacock cichlids do have preferred water parameters that aquarists should adhere to. In its natural environment, it searches the ground to find its prey. On the whole, these are one of the most peaceful varieties of cichlids. A mature African cichlid may grow up to 4 to 6 inches. Weekly water changes are recommended to prevent ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from getting above two ppm. These active fish needs lots of surface area to explore and open space for swimming. Younger males will appear more yellow until reaching a more mature size. Please note that males un Peacock cichlids are omnivores that will eat just about anything. Their lifespan is usually between 7-12 years depending on their treatment. They can be found peacefully living with many other types of fish. Because of their size, only juvenile specimens of the Peacock Cichlid are really suitable for the aquarium. pH Range: a pH range of anywhere between 7.5 – 8.5 is acceptable. Blanched vegetables can also be offered occasionally, such as spinach and lettuce. Peacock Cichlids are a group of small Cichlids that come in a range of different sizes and colours. It’s made even more impressive by the fact that there are at least 22 different species of peacock cichlids currently known. Both in its natural appearance and in color forms developed even further through captive breeding, these are some of the most sought after cichlids originating from Lake Malawi, Africa. However, there are easy ways to curb these behaviors and precautions to prevent your peacock cichlids from becoming distressed. Dec 19, 2016 - Lake Malawi Peacock Cichlids include some of the most popular species of African cichlids found in the hobby today. For cichlids of their size, a Peacock Cichlid should not be kept in a tank any smaller than 55 gallons (208 Liters). 4 (harem) Food. Peacock cichlids need a minimum of 55 gallons. Both experienced aquarists and beginner cichlid keepers can enjoy caring for peacock cichlids. Peacock cichlids are originally from Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift. TANK: A tank of 40" (101 cm) or 45-55 gallons (170-209 L) is usually sufficient. In addition to weekly water changes, the sand substrate should be regularly combed. Appearance. Please read on for more insight on African cichlids body and tanks size. A varied diet that heavily features meaty food is recommended. Peacock Cichlids are some of the friendliest and easiest-to-care for cichlid species. Your subscription could not be saved. They are relatively docile, easy to keep, and very hardy. What is the ideal peacock cichlid tank size? Food. Breeders and aquarists alike seek to produce the most vibrant colors, which may appear similar to one of the true 22 varieties. Peacock cichlids are classified as semi-aggressive because males can exhibit territorial behavior. Peacock cichlids (Aulonocara) are a very colorful fish, as their name may indicate. Obviously, you can’t prevent this in the industry at large and can’t do much if you already have a hybrid fish. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. African Cichlid Habitat and Tank Conditions. They are easier for juveniles to swallow compared to worms. However, they are one of the easiest cichlids to keep. African Cichlid is one of the famous tropical fish. However, peacocks are surprisingly docile. However, species-only tanks are just as colorful. Female: 10cm (4") - Male: 17cm (7") Longevity. How They Move in the Tank. There are tons of varieties to choose from, they boast beautiful colors, and they are more peaceful than many other cichlid species. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: Less than 2"; Medium: 2" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" and larger We have experienced aquarium fish breeders with the main focus on African Cichlids, particularly Lake Malawi Cichlids. Levels are close to 0 ppm are preferred, but not always possible. The male German Red Peacock develops a bright red color as it matures, which covers most of it's body. For community tanks, the gallon size should be at least doubled. Aulonocara is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. As these fishes love to swim, and the horizontal orientation of the tank would be much beneficial. No one is quite sure how this fish came to be. It will keep your cichlids healthy and in a more peaceful mood. Peacock Cichlids Tank—Condition, Size,Setup, What Do Peacock Cichlids Eat? These fish display a range of bright colors like a peacock’s tail, hence the name. DexterCichlids 54,342 views. Keeping Mbuna and peacock cichlids together is one of the most argued and controversial topics in the African cichlid hobby. As mentioned earlier, Malawi Peacocks are medium sized Cichlids, growing up to anywhere between 4-6 inches. Living zone. Peacock, Peacock Cichlid Adult Size: 6 inches Life Expectancy: 5 - 15 years Habitat: Lake Malawi, Africa Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons Ideal Tank Conditions: Temperature Range: 76-82° F; pH Range: 7.8-8.6 The Peacock Cichlid, Cichla ocellaris, is a very large fish, best suited towards a big display tank. They are known best for their striking colors, making them perhaps the most popular group of Cichlids for hobbyists. Optimal Water Conditions For Peacock Cichlids. Not all species are available commercially, but many are sold in stores around the world. Breeding & Spawning: Peacock Cichlids are ovophile mouthbrooders that form a matriarch family.The pair should be conditioned separately on mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and crustaceans. Temperature: these cichlids like water that’s between 76-82°F. African Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) 22 species of peacock cichlids have been described, all from Lake Malawi. Aulonocara or "Peacocks" are a genus of Cichlid found in Lake Malawi. Peacock Cichlid Description. They prefer sandy areas in the lake bed and can often be seen hunting invertebrates there. So if your cichlids consistently engage in breeding behavior, but no fertilized eggs or fry are produced, it’s likely at least one of your cichlids is a hybrid. It is the males that display most of the color while the females often look drab in comparison. These fish are not natively found in the wild. Peacock Cichlid Habitat and Tank Requirements. 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