Aulonocara Super Colour Mix 7–9 cm | Peacock Cichlid

Overview

Aulonocara super colour mix is a stunning mixed selection of Peacock Cichlids from Lake Malawi, chosen for their vivid colours, elegant shape and active display behaviour. Offered at around 7–9 cm, these juveniles are a fantastic choice for aquarists looking to build a bright, dynamic African cichlid aquarium with plenty of personality.

Peacocks are among the most popular Malawi cichlids for good reason: males develop exceptional colour as they mature, while females are usually more subdued in tone. A mixed colour group gives you the excitement of seeing each fish develop its own unique pattern and intensity over time. They are best kept in a properly set up Malawi cichlid aquarium with stable water conditions, rocky décor and suitable tank mates.

At Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your fish arrive in excellent condition and ready to settle into their new home.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Aulonocara species originate from Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the world’s most famous cichlid habitats. In the wild, these fish inhabit sandy areas near rocky structures, where they sift through the substrate and pick out small invertebrates and other food items. Their natural environment is warm, mineral-rich and highly stable, with clear water and plenty of open swimming space.

Understanding this habitat is key to keeping them successfully in the aquarium. Peacock Cichlids thrive in hard, alkaline water and appreciate a layout that combines open areas for display with caves, rockwork and visual barriers to reduce stress. A well-planned Malawi setup helps bring out their best colour and behaviour.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For a healthy, long-lived Peacock Cichlid aquarium, aim for a tank of 250 litres or more, with larger tanks strongly recommended if keeping a group or mixed Malawi community. These fish are active and benefit from generous swimming space, especially as males mature and establish territories.

Use a sandy substrate if possible, as this is closer to their natural habitat and allows for natural foraging behaviour. Add plenty of rock formations to create caves, ledges and broken lines of sight. This helps reduce aggression and gives subordinate fish places to retreat. Strong filtration is essential, as Malawi cichlids produce a fair amount of waste and prefer clean, oxygen-rich water.

Ideal water conditions are:

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• Water hardness: Hard, mineral-rich water

Regular maintenance is important. Carry out weekly partial water changes and monitor water quality closely, especially in heavily stocked cichlid tanks. Stable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers, so keep parameters consistent and avoid sudden changes.

Feeding Guide

Aulonocara are omnivorous cichlids with a preference for small meaty foods in the wild, but in captivity they do best on a balanced diet. A quality Malawi cichlid pellet or staple flake should form the basis of their feeding regime, supported by frozen or live foods such as mysis, krill, daphnia and brine shrimp in moderation.

It is important not to overfeed rich protein foods, as this can contribute to digestive issues and poor water quality. A varied diet with some vegetable matter helps maintain colour, condition and long-term health. Feed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume quickly.

Good feeding options include:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Spirulina-based foods
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
• Occasional krill or other protein-rich treats

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Peacock Cichlids are generally more manageable than many other Malawi cichlids, but they are still cichlids and should be housed with compatible species that can cope with similar water conditions and temperament. The best tank mates are other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and disposition, especially species that are not overly aggressive.

Good companions include other peacocks, selected haps, and some peaceful-to-moderate mbuna in larger, carefully structured aquariums. Avoid very aggressive species, tiny fish that may be bullied or eaten, and delicate soft-water species that cannot tolerate alkaline conditions. It is also wise to avoid keeping multiple similar-looking males in cramped quarters, as this can lead to territorial disputes.

As with most Malawi cichlids, stocking strategy matters. A larger tank with a well-planned ratio of fish can help spread aggression and encourage natural behaviour. If you are unsure, ask us for advice and we will be happy to help you choose suitable tank mates.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you order from Tropical Fish Co, you are choosing a specialist aquatic retailer that understands the needs of live fish and the importance of careful handling. We pack and dispatch livestock with attention to welfare, helping ensure your fish arrive in great condition. Our fast UK delivery service is designed to get your order to you promptly, and our live arrival guarantee gives you added peace of mind.

We also aim to provide clear, practical care information so you can set up the right environment from day one. Whether you are building your first Malawi tank or adding colour to an established cichlid collection, Aulonocara super colour mix is a superb choice for a vibrant, rewarding aquarium.