Moderate
Aulonocara baenschi benga
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 150L
£15.99
Mixed-colour Aulonocara peacock cichlids for mature Lake Malawi aquariums, best kept in hard alkaline water with rockwork and calm cichlid tank mates.
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 spp.
Aulonocara Super Colour Mix Peacock Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Mixed-colour Aulonocara peacock cichlids for mature Lake Malawi aquariums, best kept in hard alkaline water with rockwork and calm cichlid tank mates.
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
Aulonocara Super Colour Mix is a mixed selection of Lake Malawi peacock cichlids chosen for colour, shape and display value. This product includes several size options, with the current main option around 7-9 cm. As the fish mature, males usually develop the strongest colour, while females and younger fish are often more subtle. That is part of the appeal of a mixed group: each fish can develop its own tone and pattern over time.
These are not soft-water community fish. They are best for a mature Malawi cichlid aquarium with hard, alkaline water, strong filtration, open swimming space and rockwork that breaks up lines of sight. Kept properly, Aulonocara are among the more manageable African cichlids, giving bright colour and active behaviour without the extreme aggression of many mbuna.
| Group | Aulonocara spp., commonly known as peacock cichlids |
|---|---|
| Current size options | 5-6 cm, 6-7 cm and 7-9 cm options when available |
| Adult size | Usually around 12-15 cm depending on sex and strain |
| Temperature | 24-28C |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 |
| Tank size | 250 litres or larger for a stable Malawi setup |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive for a Malawi cichlid |
| Diet | Quality cichlid pellets, spirulina foods and occasional frozen foods |
This is a mixed colour listing, so the exact fish supplied can vary. Aulonocara males often become much more colourful with age, condition and social confidence, while females tend to stay more silver, bronze or muted. Younger fish may not show their final adult colour immediately, especially after transport. Give them stable water, good food and a settled social group before judging final colour.
Because this is a mix, it is ideal for aquarists who want a bright Malawi display rather than a single named locality line. If you need a specific male colour form, choose a named Aulonocara strain instead of a mixed group.
Aulonocara cichlids come from Lake Malawi in East Africa. Many species live around sandy areas near rocks, where they pick small invertebrates from the substrate. Their natural water is clear, mineral-rich and stable, so the home aquarium should focus on consistency rather than sudden parameter changes.
| Water style | Hard, alkaline, well oxygenated and stable |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel for natural foraging behaviour |
| Decor | Rockwork, caves, open swimming space and clear territories |
| Filtration | Strong biological filtration with regular water changes |
Use a tank of at least 250 litres for a group or Malawi community. A larger aquarium is strongly preferred if you want multiple males, haps or selected mbuna. Build rock structures securely on the base of the tank, then add substrate around them so digging fish cannot undermine the layout. Leave open sand and swimming space at the front.
These fish appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water. Weekly partial water changes, stable temperature and sensible feeding do more for long-term colour than chasing quick fixes. Avoid soft, acidic water and avoid mixing with delicate community fish that need completely different conditions.
Aulonocara are omnivores with a natural interest in small invertebrates, but aquarium fish do best on a controlled, varied diet. Use a good Malawi or peacock cichlid pellet as the staple, add spirulina-based foods for balance, and offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp or daphnia in moderation. Rich foods such as krill can be occasional treats, not the whole diet.
Feed small portions once or twice daily. Overfeeding is one of the fastest ways to spoil water quality in a cichlid tank, especially with larger active fish. A healthy peacock should be alert, full-bodied and eager to feed without looking bloated.
Suitable tank mates include other Aulonocara, selected peaceful haps such as Benga Peacock Cichlid, some calm Malawi cichlids and robust fish that enjoy the same hard alkaline water. In larger aquariums, carefully chosen mbuna can work, but avoid the most aggressive species and avoid cramped layouts.
Do not mix Aulonocara with tiny tetras, soft-water dwarf cichlids, delicate catfish or slow timid fish. They may not share the same water needs, and they may be bullied or outcompeted. If you are planning a Malawi display, compare with other African cichlids such as Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid or Sulphurhead Peacock before choosing the final mix.
Male peacocks display, spar and claim space, especially as they mature. A single male with several females can work, but mixed stock may not always allow exact sex selection. In all-male show tanks, choose fish with different colours and body shapes where possible, provide space, and watch for one dominant male suppressing the rest.
Rockwork and broken sight lines are important. They let weaker fish move away from a dominant male without being chased across the full length of the tank.
Keep lights low when the fish arrives. Float the sealed bag to equalise temperature, then gradually mix small amounts of aquarium water over 30-45 minutes. Release into a calm tank with hiding places ready, and avoid heavy feeding immediately after arrival. Malawi cichlids usually settle quickly when the water chemistry is already suitable.
We pack livestock carefully for UK courier travel and support eligible livestock orders with our Live Arrival Guarantee. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 at checkout when the code is available. More importantly, this page is written to help you decide whether this fish fits your aquarium: Aulonocara are excellent display cichlids, but they need a proper Malawi setup to look and behave their best.
For more African cichlid options, browse our freshwater cichlid collection and compare size, temperament and water requirements before mixing species.
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