Our Guide To Keeping Red Shouldered Peacock Cichlid

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Aulonocara hansbaenschi
   • Common name: Red Shouldered Peacock
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 10–15 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

2. Tank Setup:

   • Red Shouldered Peacock Cichlids thrive in a tank that mimics their rocky natural habitat in Lake Malawi. Provide rock caves and crevices for hiding and territorial claims.
   • A minimum tank size of 150L is recommended for a single male with a few females or a community of peaceful Lake Malawi cichlids.
   • Use sand or fine gravel as a substrate to allow natural digging behavior.

3. Water Parameters:

   • pH: 7.8 to 8.6 (alkaline conditions)
   • Temperature: 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F)
   • Hardness: 10–20 dGH

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use a strong, efficient filter to maintain pristine water quality as these fish are sensitive to poor conditions.
   • Moderate water flow is ideal to replicate their native lake environment.

5. Diet:

   • Red Shouldered Peacock Cichlids are omnivores but lean towards carnivorous tendencies. Feed a mix of high-quality cichlid pellets and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
   • Avoid feeding them high-protein or fatty foods to prevent Malawi bloat.

6. Tank mates:

   • Compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive haplochromine cichlids from Lake Malawi.
   • Avoid mixing with aggressive mbuna cichlids or fish that may outcompete them for food.
   • Best kept in harems—one male to several females—to reduce aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Red Shouldered Peacock Cichlids are territorial, especially males during breeding, but are less aggressive than other cichlids.
   • They are active swimmers and display vibrant coloration when healthy and stress-free.
   • Maintain proper group ratios and tank size to avoid territorial conflicts.