Yellow Peacock (7.5cm)

Yellow Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi) Care Guide

This species is prized for its vibrant yellow color, blue facial markings, and peaceful temperament (by cichlid standards). It’s a fantastic centerpiece for a Malawi community tank.

Quick Overview

• Common Names: Yellow Peacock, Sunshine Peacock, Aulonocara baenschi

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara baenschi

• Origin: Lake Malawi, specifically the Nkhomo Reef area

• Size: 10–13 cm (males larger)

• Lifespan: 6–10 years

• Temperament: Mildly territorial; peaceful for an African cichlid

• Care Level: Moderate

Tank Requirements

Arrange rocks to break sight lines and reduce aggression.

Water Parameters

Add crushed coral or aragonite sand to help buffer pH and hardness.

️ Diet

Yellow Peacocks are omnivorous, feeding mostly on small invertebrates in the wild.

• Staples: High-quality cichlid pellets or granules (low-filler)

• Protein Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill (frozen or live)

• Vegetable Matter: Occasional spirulina or algae wafers

• Avoid: Too many fatty or meaty foods like bloodworms (risk of bloat)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Territorial during breeding, but peaceful

• Males display bright colors and establish small territories

• Females are less colorful (silver or dull yellow)

Compatible tank mates:

• Other peaceful Aulonocara species

• Peaceful Haps (Placidochromis, Copadichromis)

• Synodontis catfish

• Rainbowfish (in large tanks)

Avoid:

• Fin-nippers

Breeding

• Maternal mouthbrooders

• 1 male + 3–4 females (harem setup is ideal)

• Female holds eggs and fry in her mouth for ~3–4 weeks

• Fry can be raised separately on powdered food or baby brine shrimp

✅ Summary (Metric)