Sunshine Peacock - Aulonocara baenschi - Juvenile

The Sunshine Peacock, Aulonocara baenschi, comes from Nkhomo Reef near Benga, Malawi. Dominant males feature electric yellow bodies with blue highlights on the face, tail, and flanks. Females and juveniles are silvery-grey with faint vertical bars and may have some yellow in the fins. 

Aulonocara are called Peacock Cichlids due to the fantastic coloration developed by dominant males. There are many color variants that have developed within species at different points in the lake. Females and juveniles are generally silvery-grey in most Aulonocara. 

They are mouthbrooders and will carry fry for 3 weeks or more before expelling the fry. These fish are rock dwellers and should be supplied with a rocky environment to establish territory. Males should be housed singly with several females, and preferably not with more aggressive Mbunas (rock-dwelling cichlids), as peacocks are not terribly aggressive, relatively. 

Peacock cichlids may be housed with other species of Lake Malawi fish with similar temperament. They should not be housed with other Peacocks unless ample room is provided, and males may not develop brilliant colors due to dominance issues. Research will help the aquarist pick out the most appropriate fish to mix. 

Aulonocara will accept both flake or pellet food soon after being introduced into the aquarium. A variety of foods is recommended to encourage coloration and supply the fish with appropriate vitamins and minerals. They may also be fed frozen foods as a healthy treat.