Aulonocara Red Flash 5-7 cm | Peacock Cichlid

Overview

The Aulonocara Red Flash is a spectacular peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi, prized for its intense red and orange body colour and elegant, active swimming style. Offered here at 5-7 cm, these juveniles are a superb choice for aquarists looking to build a colourful African cichlid display with plenty of personality. As with most Aulonocara, males develop the brightest colours as they mature, while females are usually more subdued in tone.

This species is best suited to hard, alkaline water and a well-structured Malawi setup. Although they are cichlids, peacocks are generally less aggressive than many other African species, making them a popular option for mixed Malawi aquariums when housed with suitable tank mates. With the right environment and diet, they grow into confident, eye-catching fish that bring constant movement and colour to the tank.

All fish are supplied with care and attention, backed by our live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery for a smooth, reliable shopping experience.

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 and home to a huge diversity of cichlids. In the wild, peacock cichlids are often found around sandy areas near rocks, where they forage for small invertebrates and other food items in the substrate. Their specialised sensory pits help them detect movement in the sand, giving them an advantage when hunting.

Lake Malawi is characterised by warm, mineral-rich, alkaline water with excellent clarity and strong oxygenation. Replicating these conditions in the aquarium is key to keeping Red Flash peacocks healthy, settled and colourful. A stable environment with plenty of swimming space and carefully chosen rockwork will help them display natural behaviour and reduce stress.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Aulonocara Red Flash in a spacious aquarium of at least 200 litres, with larger tanks strongly recommended for groups or mixed Malawi communities. Use a sandy substrate where possible, as this allows natural foraging behaviour and is gentler on the fish. Build rock formations to create territories and visual barriers, but leave open swimming areas in the front and centre of the tank.

Water should be warm, hard and alkaline, with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5 and a temperature of 24-26°C. Good filtration is essential, as Malawi cichlids are active fish that produce a fair amount of waste. Aim for strong biological filtration and regular maintenance, including partial water changes, to keep nitrate levels low and water quality high.

Decor should be practical rather than densely planted. Most live plants are not ideal in a typical Malawi setup, as many cichlids may dig or nibble. If you want greenery, choose hardy species attached to rocks or use artificial plants. Lighting can be moderate to bright, which helps show off the fish’s red tones and metallic sheen.

When introducing new fish, acclimate them carefully to avoid shock from differences in pH and hardness. Juveniles may appear less colourful at first, but males typically develop stronger colouration as they mature and establish themselves.

Feeding Guide

Aulonocara Red Flash is an omnivorous cichlid, but in the aquarium it does best on a varied diet with a strong emphasis on quality protein. Offer a good-grade Malawi cichlid pellet or flake as the staple food, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis, brine shrimp and daphnia. Small amounts of vegetable matter can also be included to support balanced nutrition.

Feed little and often, ideally once or twice a day in portions that are fully consumed within a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can quickly lead to poor water quality and digestive issues. Avoid relying too heavily on fatty foods or mammal-based proteins, as these are not suitable for long-term health in African cichlids.

A varied diet will help maintain colour, condition and breeding readiness, while also encouraging natural behaviour. If keeping them with other Malawi species, choose foods that suit the whole community and avoid aggressive feeding competition.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Red Flash peacocks are generally among the more manageable Malawi cichlids, but they still need compatible tank mates. Good choices include other peaceful to moderately assertive peacock cichlids, selected Labidochromis, and similarly sized Malawi species that do not constantly harass them. Keep the ratio sensible, and ideally maintain one male with several females if breeding is not the goal.

Avoid highly aggressive Mbuna species, especially those known for relentless territorial behaviour, unless you have a very large and carefully planned setup. Also avoid small, delicate fish, soft-water species, and slow-moving tank mates that cannot cope with the water chemistry or cichlid activity. Mixing with incompatible species often leads to stress, injury and poor long-term results.

As with all cichlids, individual temperament can vary. Providing enough space, rockwork and line-of-sight breaks will reduce conflict and help the fish settle into a stable hierarchy.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy, quality fish and pack them with care to help ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Our Aulonocara Red Flash are a fantastic choice for aquarists who want a striking Malawi cichlid with strong colour potential and manageable care requirements. We aim to make the buying process straightforward, with fast UK delivery and a live arrival guarantee for added peace of mind.

Whether you are starting your first African cichlid aquarium or adding to an established Malawi community, this peacock cichlid offers exceptional visual impact and rewarding behaviour. With the right tank setup, it will grow into a confident, colourful centrepiece that stands out in any collection.