{"product_id":"peacock-cichlids-genus-aulonocara","title":"Peacock Cichlids (genus Aulonocara)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeacock Cichlids (genus Aulonocara) are incredibly vibrant freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, prized by aquarium hobbyists for their brilliant, iridescent colors that rival marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuick Species Overview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name: Aulonocara spp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Size: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLifespan: 5 to 8 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive (but more peaceful than other African cichlids)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Parameters \u0026amp; Tank Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeacock cichlids require strict water parameters mimicking the hard, alkaline environment of the African Rift Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 200 liters (approx. 55 gallons) for a small group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH Range: 7.5 to 8.6.Water Hardness: Hard, mineral-rich water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate: Sandy substrate is essential because they filter sand through their gills to hunt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecor: Use rocks to create caves and territories, but leave plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehavior and Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeacock cichlids exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males showcase intense, stunning colors, while females remain a subdued, silver or grey tone. Dominant males will show the brightest colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggression Management:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are highly territorial. Hobbyists often use \"controlled overcrowding\" alongside heavy filtration to distribute and minimize territorial bullying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood Tank Mates: Other Peacock varieties, Haplochromis species (Haps), Plecos, and robust catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBad Tank Mates: Avoid Mbuna cichlids (which are too aggressive and have different dietary needs) and slow, peaceful community fish like tetras or guppies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, they are bottom feeders that sift sand for small invertebrates. In an aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet consisting of:High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoods rich in Spirulina to boost their natural coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccasional frozen brine shrimp or mysis shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarning: Avoid feeding mammal meats (like beef heart) as it can cause fatal digestive issues known as \"Malawi bloat.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":53429867807017,"sku":null,"price":28.9,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\"","offer_id":53429867839785,"sku":null,"price":49.9,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/4325\/2521\/files\/Micro-Pellets_20260816_052027_0000.png?v=1786843244","url":"https:\/\/jasminaquaticsstore.com\/ar\/products\/peacock-cichlids-genus-aulonocara","provider":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}