Freiberg's Peacock (7.5cm)

Freiberg’s Peacock Cichlid Care Guide

(Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maleri", commonly known as Freiberg's Peacock)

Quick Overview

• 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

Tank Setup

Tip: Arrange rocks to break up lines of sight and reduce territorial aggression.

Water Parameters

Use crushed coral or Malawi cichlid buffer to maintain pH and hardness.

️ Diet

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

Behavior & Tank Mates

• 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

Breeding

• 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

✅ Summary (Metric)