Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp.) 3-4 cm

Overview

The Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid, Aulonocara sp., is a striking Malawi cichlid prized for its shimmering electric-blue body, elegant finnage and relatively calm temperament compared with many other African cichlids. Offered at 3-4 cm, these juveniles are a superb choice for aquarists looking to grow out a show-quality peacock and watch its colour develop as it matures. Males become especially vivid, often intensifying into brilliant blue with subtle metallic highlights, while females are typically more subdued in tone.

Peacock cichlids are among the most popular African cichlids for good reason: they are active, engaging and colourful, yet generally less aggressive than mbuna species. With the right setup, the Blue Neon Peacock can become a centrepiece fish in a spacious Malawi aquarium. We provide healthy stock with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your new fish arrives in the best possible condition.

Although hardy once settled, Aulonocara species do best in stable, well-maintained water with plenty of swimming space, rockwork for security and a carefully chosen community of compatible tank mates. This is a fish for aquarists who want the beauty of a cichlid display without the extreme aggression of some other Rift Lake species.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Aulonocara species are native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the world’s most famous Rift Lakes. In the wild, peacock cichlids inhabit sandy areas, transitional zones and rocky margins where they forage over the substrate. Their specialised sensory pores help them detect movement in the sand, allowing them to locate small invertebrates and other food items hidden below the surface.

Lake Malawi is warm, alkaline and highly mineralised, with exceptionally stable conditions. Replicating these parameters in the home aquarium is key to long-term health and colour. The Blue Neon Peacock is adapted to open water and sandy habitats rather than dense plant cover, so a Malawi-style aquascape with open swimming space and rock formations is ideal.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, house Blue Neon Peacock Cichlids in a spacious aquarium of at least 250 litres, with larger tanks strongly recommended for groups or mixed cichlid communities. A sandy substrate is preferred, as it allows natural foraging behaviour and reduces the risk of injury. Add plenty of rockwork to create territories and visual barriers, but leave open areas for swimming.

Filtration should be strong, as peacock cichlids appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water. Regular water changes are important to maintain stability and keep nitrate levels low. Use hard, alkaline water where possible, and avoid sudden shifts in temperature or pH. A secure lid is sensible, as active cichlids may jump when startled.

Recommended parameters:

• Temperature: 24-28°C
• pH: 7.6-8.6
• Hardness: medium to hard
• Minimum tank size: 250 litres

When keeping multiple males, provide a larger aquarium with several females and broken lines of sight to reduce territorial pressure. A ratio of one male to several females is often preferred. If mixing with other Malawi cichlids, choose species with similar water requirements and temperament.

Feeding Guide

Blue Neon Peacock Cichlids are omnivorous, but in nature they take a significant amount of small meaty foods. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet based on high-quality cichlid pellets or granules with marine or insect protein, supplemented with frozen foods such as mysis, krill, daphnia and brine shrimp. Occasional vegetable matter is beneficial, but avoid over-reliance on high-plant or low-protein foods.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality and may contribute to digestive problems. As with many Malawi cichlids, it is best to avoid fatty foods and mammalian proteins. A balanced, species-appropriate diet helps maintain strong colour, growth and vitality.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Blue Neon Peacock Cichlids are best kept with other Malawi cichlids that share similar water requirements and are not excessively aggressive. Suitable companions include other peacocks, selected haps and some calmer Malawi species, provided the aquarium is large enough and stocking is carefully planned. Avoid pairing them with highly territorial mbuna unless you have a very large, well-structured tank and experience managing African cichlid aggression.

Do not house with small community fish, delicate species, or fish that require soft, acidic water. Shrimp and most ornamental invertebrates are also unsuitable, as they are likely to be treated as food. When introducing new fish, do so carefully and monitor behaviour closely, especially if more than one male is present.

Good tank mates include other Aulonocara, peaceful Malawi haps, Synodontis catfish and robust cichlids of similar size and temperament. Avoid slow, long-finned fish, very small fish, and species from incompatible water conditions.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we focus on healthy, well-conditioned livestock and careful packing for safe transport. Your Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid is selected for quality and vitality, then dispatched with fast UK delivery to help reduce stress and ensure a smooth arrival. We also offer a live arrival guarantee for added peace of mind.

We understand that buying live fish online requires confidence, so we aim to make the process straightforward and reliable from order to acclimation. Whether you are building your first Malawi setup or adding colour to an established cichlid tank, our stock is chosen to help you succeed. With proper care, the Blue Neon Peacock will reward you with brilliant colour, fascinating behaviour and years of enjoyment.

For the best results, acclimate slowly, keep water conditions stable and provide a suitable environment from day one. If you are ready for a stunning African cichlid with real presence, the Blue Neon Peacock Cichlid is an excellent choice.