Our Guide To Keeping Albino OB Peacock Cichlid

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Aulonocara sp. (Albino OB morph)
   • Common name: Albino OB Peacock, Albino Orange Blotch Peacock
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Selectively bred variant from Lake Malawi Aulonocara species
   • Adult length: 12–15 cm
   • Lifespan: 6–10 years
   • Diet: Omnivore (insectivore tendencies in the wild)
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive; males territorial, females generally more peaceful

2. Tank Setup:

   • Provide a sandy substrate with scattered rock formations to create territories and hiding spaces.
   • Minimum tank size: 200 L for a harem (1 male with several females); larger for mixed Malawi communities.
   • Plants are optional; use hardy species such as Anubias or Java Fern fixed to rocks to prevent uprooting.

3. Water Parameters:

   • pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline and stable)
   • Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
   • Hardness: 6–15 dGH with good carbonate hardness

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use strong, reliable filtration with moderate water flow and good aeration.
   • Perform weekly water changes to keep nitrate levels low and pH stable.

5. Diet:

   • Offer a high-quality cichlid pellet or flake formulated for omnivorous African cichlids.
   • Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms (feed protein-rich foods in moderation to prevent bloat).
   • Include spirulina-based foods to promote vibrant colour and aid digestion.

6. Tank mates:

   • Compatible with other peacocks and haps of similar size and temperament.
   • Avoid highly aggressive mbuna or very small, timid fish.
   • Best kept as one male per morph/species to avoid excessive aggression and hybridisation.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Males display vivid albino patterning with orange blotches, while females have softer colouration.
   • Territorial behaviour is most pronounced during breeding; provide ample hiding spaces to reduce stress.
   • A maternal mouthbrooder: females carry fertilised eggs and fry in their mouths until they are ready to swim freely.