African Cichlid – Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid 5cm Imported”

Red Peacock Cichlid: A Vibrant and Peaceful Aquarium Star

The Red Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp. Red) is a stunning freshwater fish admired for its radiant red and orange hues. Native to Lake Malawi, this cichlid adds a burst of colour to aquariums, standing out as a centerpiece in African setups. Its relatively calm temperament and striking appearance make it a favourite among aquarists of all experience levels.

Size and Lifespan

Red Peacock Cichlids grow to an average size of 10–15 cm, with males being larger and more vividly coloured than females. With proper care, including a spacious tank and a well-balanced diet, these cichlids can live for 6–8 years, making them a rewarding addition to your aquarium.

Tank Size and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 150 liters is essential for a single Red Peacock Cichlid, with larger tanks preferred for groups or community setups. Maintain water temperatures of 24°C–28°C and a pH of 7.8–8.6 to mimic their natural habitat. Use a sandy substrate, along with rocks and caves, to create territories and provide hiding spaces, which help reduce stress and aggression.

Tank Mates

These cichlids are peaceful compared to many African cichlids. They pair well with other Peacocks, Haps, and less aggressive Mbuna species. Avoid overly aggressive fish or species significantly smaller than them. In typical African cichlid tanks, only 1–2 males usually display vibrant colours, but feeding AquaMunch Super Colour ensures all males achieve bright colouration. This reduces stress and aggression while showcasing the full potential of every fish in the tank.

Feeding Red Peacock Cichlids

These omnivorous fish thrive on a varied diet. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food. Supplement their meals with live or frozen protein sources like brine shrimp or bloodworms and vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini. To enhance their radiant red hues, include AquaMunch Super Colour in their diet. This nutrient-packed food helps achieve even and vibrant colouration across all fish in the tank.

Breeding Red Peacock Cichlids

Breeding Red Peacock Cichlids is straightforward under the right conditions. Males court females by displaying their brightest colours and preparing territories for spawning. Females are mouthbrooders, carrying fertilized eggs in their mouths for 21–28 days. After hatching, the fry can be fed finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp. Using a dedicated breeding tank improves fry survival rates and minimizes stress for parents.

Sexing Red Peacock Cichlids

Males are larger and exhibit more vivid red and orange colouration, while females are smaller with muted silver or beige tones. During breeding periods, males become even more vibrant and active, making it easier to distinguish them from females.

FAQs

How big do Red Peacock Cichlids get?
They grow to 10–15 cm, with males generally larger than females.

Are Red Peacock Cichlids aggressive?
They are relatively peaceful but may show mild territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding.

What tank mates are suitable?
Other Peacocks, Haps, and less aggressive Mbuna species are ideal companions. Avoid overly aggressive or much smaller fish.

What do they eat?
They thrive on high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen protein, and vegetables like zucchini. AquaMunch Super Colour enhances their red colouration.

How do you breed Red Peacock Cichlids?
Provide hiding spaces for spawning. Females mouthbrood eggs for 21–28 days before releasing fry.

How can you tell males and females apart?
Males are larger with vibrant red colouring, while females are smaller with duller tones.

Species Overview

• Species: Aulonocara sp. Red
• Common Name: Red Peacock Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 15 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 liters