Yellow Peacock

The Yellow Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi), also known as the Sunshine Peacock Cichlid, is a stunning African cichlid known for its bright yellow coloration and relatively peaceful nature compared to other Malawi cichlids. This species is highly sought after by cichlid enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and active behavior.

Scientific Name:

Aulonocara baenschi

Maximum Size:

• Grows up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in captivity.

Native Region:

• Found in Lake Malawi, Africa.
• Inhabits rocky and sandy areas, where they sift through the substrate for food.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Omnivorous, but leans towards a high-protein diet.
• In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans, insects, and invertebrates they find in the sand.
• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality cichlid pellets and flakes
  ✅ Frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp)
  ✅ Occasional vegetable-based foods (spirulina, blanched spinach)
  ❌ Avoid feeder fish and fatty foods, as they can cause digestive issues.

Lifespan:

• Typically 6-8 years, but can live up to 10 years with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Mouthbrooder—females hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for protection until the fry hatch.
• Breeding occurs year-round in captivity if conditions are optimal.
• Males become more vibrant in color and territorial when breeding.
• The female holds the eggs and fry for 2-3 weeks before releasing them.

Best Tank Mates:

Yellow Peacock Cichlids are less aggressive than many African cichlids, making them ideal for Malawi community tanks with:

✅ Other Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara species)
✅ Haplochromis Cichlids (Haps)
✅ Synodontis Catfish (bottom dwellers that help keep the tank clean)
✅ Non-aggressive Mbuna (only in large tanks)

🚫 Avoid:

• Highly aggressive cichlids (Mbuna, Red Devils, Texas Cichlids).
• Small, slow-moving fish (they may be bullied).
• Delicate fish that require different water conditions.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum, but 75+ gallons is ideal for multiple males.
• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 7.5-8.5 (prefers alkaline water like Lake Malawi).
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard.
• Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to maintain high water quality.
• Décor: Provide rock structures, caves, and open swimming space.
• Substrate: Fine sand, as they enjoy sifting through it for food.

⚠ Important Note:

• Males display intense yellow and blue coloration, while females are usually duller in color.
• Keeping multiple males may lead to aggression, so a 1 male to multiple females ratio is best.