Horse Face Peacock Cichlid - 4"

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp.
• Common Name: Horse Face Peacock Cichlid
• Adult Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–10 years

• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, Africa. Found in sandy-bottomed regions adjacent to rocky outcrops. Known to sift through the substrate in search of small invertebrates and detritus.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (for a small group — 1 male to 2–3 females)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • Males may become territorial, especially when breeding
  • Best suited for peaceful Malawi community setups with other Aulonocara or non-aggressive Haps
  • Avoid keeping with aggressive Mbuna species

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • In the wild: feeds by sifting sand for microinvertebrates
  • In captivity: thrives on high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and spirulina flakes
  • Supplement diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach
  • Avoid high-protein foods like bloodworms to reduce the risk of Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Males display metallic blue to violet bodies, often with yellow or orange highlights depending on strain
• Named for their elongated snout and sloped head shape, resembling a horse’s face
• Females are more muted, usually silver or gray
• Streamlined body with long flowing dorsal and anal fins

Distinctive Features

• Recognizable by its prominent, horse-like facial profile
• Displays vivid coloration in males, especially during mating
• Peaceful for an African cichlid; a good choice for mixed Aulonocara tanks
• Mouthbrooding species: females incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for 2–3 weeks
• Enjoys open sandy areas for feeding and rocky caves for hiding and breeding