Blue Nyassae - 10cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara spp.
• Common Name: Pink Nyassae (Peacock Cichlid variant)
• Adult Size: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 8 years (can live up to 10 years in optimal conditions)
• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, Africa. Found over sandy substrates near rocky areas, where they use their sensitive lower jaw to detect prey in the sand.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)
• Ideal Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8 to 8.6 (alkaline)
• Water Hardness: 10 to 25 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially males; best kept in a harem (1 male with 3–4 females) or all-male tanks to reduce territorial fighting

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  Diet should include:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
  • Frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
  • Occasional plant-based foods to aid digestion
  • Avoid high-fat, high-protein red meats or overfeeding to prevent bloat

Appearance

• Coloration: Soft pink to light peach body coloration—more pastel than wild-type varieties; males may show brighter hues and more iridescence
• Fins: Flowing dorsal and anal fins, often lightly tipped with pink or white
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are more intensely colored and larger; females are usually more subdued in color

Distinctive Features

• Color morph likely developed through selective breeding for the aquarium trade
• Displays the same intelligent and interactive behavior typical of Aulonocara
• Peaceful compared to other African cichlids, but still assertive during feeding or spawning
• Sand-sifting behavior and mid-level swimming patterns make them active and engaging display fish