Golden Peacock Cichlid - 4"

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp.
• Common Name: Golden Peacock Cichlid
• Adult Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–10 years
• Habitat: Originates from Lake Malawi, Africa, though the Sulfur Head is a captive-bred hybrid. Wild Aulonocara typically inhabit sandy substrates near rocky areas where they sift through sand for food.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger if keeping multiple males or mixed species)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • Males can be territorial, especially during breeding
  • Best kept with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Malawi cichlids (e.g., Peacocks, Haps)

  • Avoid Mbuna or overly aggressive tank mates

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes

  • Feed a balanced diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and spirulina
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, peas) can be offered as supplements
  • Avoid excessive protein and fatty foods to prevent Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Males feature a dark bluish to black body with a bright yellow or “sulfur” streak running across the forehead and upper dorsal fin
• Females are typically silver or gray and lack bright coloration
• Body is elongated with flowing dorsal and anal fins

Distinctive Features

• Named for the vivid yellow “sulfur” stripe on the head and dorsal fin
• A selectively bred color morph not found in the wild
• Peaceful for a cichlid, making it ideal for mixed Aulonocara tanks
• Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: males are colorful, females are plain
• Mouthbrooder: females carry eggs and fry in their mouths for ~3 weeks