(Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maleri", commonly known as Freiberg's Peacock)
Common Name: Freiberg’s Peacock, Maleri Peacock
Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti (Maleri Island variant)
Origin: Lake Malawi (Maleri Islands, Nankoma, and Nakantenga Islands)
Size: 10–12 cm (males larger than females)
Lifespan: 6–10 years
Temperament: Relatively peaceful for an African cichlid
Care Level: Moderate
Coloration: Males show vibrant yellow-orange bodies with blue facial highlights; females are duller brown/gray
Feature | Requirement |
---|---|
Tank Size | 150+ liters (for a harem or community setup) |
Tank Type | Species tank or peaceful Malawi cichlid tank |
Substrate | Sand or fine gravel (they like to sift sand) |
Décor | Caves, rock piles, and open swimming space |
Filtration | Strong, high-flow filtration |
Lighting | Moderate to bright (enhances colors) |
Tank Lid | Yes — they may jump when startled |
Tip: Arrange rocks to break up lines of sight and reduce territorial aggression.
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 24–28°C |
pH | 7.8–8.6 |
Hardness | 10–20 dGH |
Water Changes | 25–30% weekly |
Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
Use crushed coral or Malawi cichlid buffer to maintain pH and hardness.
Freiberg’s Peacocks are micro-predators in the wild, feeding on small invertebrates from the sand.
Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets (specifically for carnivorous/omnivorous species)
Supplements:
Frozen brine shrimp
Mysis shrimp
Daphnia
Avoid: Overfeeding high-fat or low-quality meaty foods (can lead to Malawi bloat)
Feeding Schedule: 1–2 times daily in small portions
Males are territorial but not overly aggressive
Females are peaceful and best kept in groups
Ideal setup includes 1 male to 3–4 females (harem)
Will dig in the sand and display during breeding
Compatible tank mates:
Other Aulonocara species
Peaceful Haps (Placidochromis, Copadichromis)
Synodontis catfish
Maternal mouthbrooder
Female carries fertilized eggs in her mouth for ~21–28 days
After fry are released, remove adults if you want to raise the fry separately
Provide a flat stone or open sand area for spawning
Category | Info |
---|---|
Size | 10–12 cm |
Tank Size | 150+ liters |
Temperament | Peaceful (for a cichlid) |
Water Needs | Hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.6) |
Diet | Protein-based, varied diet |
Breeding | Mouthbrooding; easy in right setup |