Moderate
Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 250L
£8.99
Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid is a bright Malawi Aulonocara form for hard, alkaline cichlid aquariums with open sand, rock cover and measured feeding.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Aulonocara sp. (Blue Neon trade form)
Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid is a bright Malawi Aulonocara form for hard, alkaline cichlid aquariums with open sand, rock cover and measured feeding.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid is a colourful Malawi peacock cichlid sold in the aquarium trade as an Aulonocara blue neon form. Because trade names can cover locality forms and line-bred strains, this listing keeps the common name and supplier trade name visible while describing the care as an Aulonocara peacock cichlid rather than forcing a doubtful species label.
Peacock cichlids are best for keepers who can provide hard, alkaline Lake Malawi style water, clean filtration and tank mates chosen from compatible African cichlids. The fish is more peaceful than many mbuna, but it is still a territorial cichlid and should not be mixed with soft-water community fish.
| Trade name | Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid |
|---|---|
| Scientific/trade label | Aulonocara sp. / Aulonocara blue neon |
| Listed size | 3-4 cm on SKU 0045 |
| Adult planning size | About 12-14 cm depending on strain, sex and growth |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive; calmer than many mbuna but still territorial |
| Best aquarium | Hard, alkaline Malawi cichlid setup with sand and rock cover |
FishBase records related Aulonocara stuartgranti forms as Lake Malawi fish that use sandy areas and feed on sand-dwelling invertebrates. That matters in the aquarium: give peacocks open sand to sift and display over, with rockwork at the back or sides for shelter. Avoid cramped rock piles that trap waste or let dominant fish corner weaker tank mates.
| Temperature | 24-28°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.6-8.6 |
| Hardness | Hard, mineral-rich water; avoid soft acidic conditions |
| Minimum aquarium | Plan around 250 litres for a stable adult Malawi community |
| Filtration | Strong biological filtration and regular water changes |
Use fine sand, open swimming room and stable rock structures. Aulonocara peacocks often look best when they can cruise over open areas rather than being pushed into dense mbuna-style rockwork. Keep the aquascape practical: enough shelter for subordinate fish, enough open space for display, and enough flow to stop waste building up behind rocks.
| Substrate | Fine sand or smooth sand/gravel mix |
|---|---|
| Rockwork | Secure caves and sight breaks, especially at the back and sides |
| Open space | Important for adult males to display without constant collision |
| Plants | Optional; use hardy species only if the cichlids leave them alone |
Feed a quality Malawi cichlid pellet as the base, then rotate suitable frozen or prepared foods such as mysis, krill and brine shrimp in measured portions. TFH notes that Aulonocara species usually accept prepared foods well, but variety helps condition colour and body shape. Avoid heavy, constant rich feeding; clean water and steady portions are better than pushing growth too fast.
| Base diet | Quality cichlid pellets or granules |
|---|---|
| Useful variety | Mysis, krill, brine shrimp and occasional vegetable matter |
| Feeding style | Small portions that are eaten quickly |
| Watch for | Bloating, poor water quality, bullying at feeding time and colour loss from stress |
Blue Neon Peacock Cichlids suit a Malawi community with similar-sized peacocks, peaceful haps and carefully chosen Synodontis catfish. Avoid soft-water tetras, shrimp, small community fish and very aggressive mbuna in small tanks. If you keep more than one male Aulonocara form, plan space and sight breaks carefully, because males can compete strongly when colouring up.
| Good matches | Other compatible Aulonocara, peaceful haps and suitable Synodontis |
|---|---|
| Use caution | Assertive mbuna, similar-looking males and overstocked displays |
| Avoid | Small community fish, shrimp, soft-water species and timid long-finned fish |
| Best practice | Introduce to a mature, stable tank and watch aggression during the first week |
Young peacocks often arrive less intense than adult display males. Colour depends on sex, maturity, diet, water quality, hierarchy and stress. A juvenile or subadult can look plainer after transport and then improve as it settles. Do not judge health only by maximum colour on arrival; watch breathing, posture, appetite and interaction with tank mates.
If you are building a peacock and hap aquarium, compare this fish with Aulonocara Super Colour Mix, Sweden Hongi Cichlid if you want a more mbuna-style fish, Bumblebee Cichlid for a larger assertive mbuna, and Red-Top Trematocranus for a different Malawi hap profile. For bottom activity in similar hard-water displays, also compare suitable Synodontis options.
Keep lights low when the fish arrives, match temperature first and acclimate slowly into hard, alkaline water. Do not place a small peacock directly into a tank with established bullies unless the aquascape has been reset and territories are broken. Offer a small feed after the fish is settled rather than immediately after transport.
Choose this fish when your Malawi aquarium is already cycled, stable and stocked with compatible species. New customers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off a first order where the code is eligible. Livestock is packed under the process explained on our Delivery & Live Arrival Guarantee page.
Care guidance here uses the live product record and general Aulonocara references including FishBase on Aulonocara stuartgranti, TFH Magazine's peacock cichlid guidance and established Malawi peacock husbandry practice. The wording is intentionally careful because Blue Neon is a trade form, not a cleanly verified species name.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 250L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L
28–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 300L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
23–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
24–28°C · pH 8–9 · 300L
