Malawi Peacock Cichlid
However not every lake malawi cichlid will be compatible with the peacock cichlid in terms of temperament.
Malawi peacock cichlid. Many cichlid keepers tend to choose tank mates that are from lake malawi because they naturally prefer the same water parameters. They are known best for their striking colors making them perhaps the most popular group of cichlids for hobbyists. There are at least 22 different peacocks species most of which have stunning colouring.
Lake malawi peacock cichlids include some of the most popular species of african cichlids found in the hobby today. Lake malawi is one of the three rift lakes of eastern africa along with lake tanganyika and lake victoria and stretches 360 miles from north to south. It belongs to the genus astatotilapia.
Lake malawi is over 2 300 ft. The so called peacock cichlids of lake malawi have achieved sustained popularity among aquarium hobbyists for more than three decades. Lake malawi cichlid species come in a wide variety of colours.
The peacock cichlid is a stunning species of fish native to lake malawi. About lake malawi lake malawi is the home of more species of fish than any other lake in the world including over 1000 species of cichlids. Their coloring can vary from blues reds to yellows and will stand out in any aquarium.
It belongs to the astatotilapia genus. On this page we will take a look at care requirements for 12 species of lake malawi cichlids. First and foremost peacock males are some of the most spectacularly adorned of all cichlids.
All are from the genus aulonocara and popular with aquarists because of the bright colors that males display which is also their characteristic that helped them get the name of peacock cichlid. The temperature of the water in the aquarium should stay between 75 to 81 f 24 to 27 c for optimal growth and breeding conditions. The peacock cichlid is a spectacular fish species native to lake malawi.
This is said to be one of their most unusual and stunning behaviors to watch both in the wild and in home aquariums. Peacocks exhibit sexual dimorphism where males display brilliant colors while females are nearly colorless. Aulonocara or peacocks are a genus of cichlid found in lake malawi.
The malawi peacocks possess several characteristics that have kept them in perpetual demand. Just like their avian namesake peacock males sport dazzling iridescent colors while females and juveniles remain quite plain. There are at least 22 different species of peacocks the majority of which have stunning coloration.
It is the 9th largest lake in the world and is located between malawi mozambique and tanzania. They also have interesting behaviours that hold your attention for a long time. Peacock cichlids have an affinity for lukewarm water temperature similar to those they are used to inhabiting in the lower regions of lake malawi.
They prefer sandy areas in the lake bed and can often be seen hunting invertebrates there. Peacock cichlids are a group of small cichlids that come in a range of different sizes and colours.
