Aulonocara Turkis (4-5 cm) | Peacock Cichlid

Overview

Aulonocara Turkis is a striking Malawi peacock cichlid prized for its shimmering blue-green body tones, elegant finnage and calm, inquisitive behaviour. Offered here at 4-5 cm, these juveniles are a superb choice for aquarists looking to grow out a colourful show fish into a fully developed adult male with exceptional metallic colouration. Like other Aulonocara, this species is a mouthbrooding African cichlid from Lake Malawi and is best kept in a carefully planned cichlid setup that provides open swimming space, rockwork and stable water conditions.

Peacock cichlids are among the most popular Malawi fish because they combine vivid colour, active behaviour and relatively manageable care requirements when compared with more aggressive mbuna. Aulonocara Turkis is a great option for aquarists who want a peaceful-to-semi-aggressive cichlid with real presence. Males typically become more colourful as they mature, while females remain more subdued in pattern and tone. Please note that young fish may not yet show their final adult colouration.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy stock and pack with care for fast UK delivery. Every live fish order is covered by our live arrival guarantee, giving you confidence when ordering online. If you are building a Malawi display tank, Aulonocara Turkis is an excellent centrepiece fish that rewards good husbandry with long-term health and impressive colour.

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 an extraordinary diversity of cichlids. In the wild, peacocks are often associated with sandy areas, transitional zones and rocky edges where they forage over the substrate. They use specialised sensory pits on the head to detect small invertebrates and other food items hidden in the sand.

The exact trade name “Turkis” is used for a particularly attractive colour form within the Aulonocara group. As with many Malawi cichlids, colour can vary depending on lineage, age, diet, dominance and tank conditions. A well-maintained aquarium with clean, mineral-rich water and appropriate companions will help these fish display their best colours and natural behaviour.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Aulonocara Turkis should be kept in a spacious aquarium with excellent filtration and regular maintenance. Although peacocks are less combative than mbuna, they still need room to establish territories and avoid stress. A sandy substrate is ideal, as these fish like to sift and explore the bottom. Add rock piles, caves and open swimming areas, but avoid overcrowding the tank with too much hardscape.

For best results, maintain stable Malawi-style water conditions: warm, hard and alkaline. Use a quality filter with strong biological capacity and ensure plenty of oxygenation through surface movement or air stones. Weekly water changes are important to keep nitrate low and support long-term health. Because these fish are active and produce waste, under-filtering can quickly lead to poor colour, stress and disease.

Recommended parameters:

• Temperature: 24-28°C
• pH: 7.8-8.6
• Hardness: Medium to hard, mineral-rich water
• Substrate: Fine sand preferred
• Décor: Rockwork, caves and open space

When housing multiple males, provide a larger tank with visual barriers and several females per male to reduce harassment. If you are keeping a mixed Malawi community, choose species with similar water requirements and temperament.

Feeding Guide

Aulonocara Turkis is naturally an opportunistic feeder and does best on a varied diet. In captivity, offer a high-quality cichlid pellet or granule as the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis, krill, daphnia and brine shrimp. Vegetable matter can also be included in moderation, particularly if the fish are kept in a mixed African cichlid setup.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding is a common mistake with cichlids and can lead to bloating, poor water quality and digestive issues. Avoid relying heavily on fatty foods or mammal-based proteins, as these are not suitable for long-term health. A varied, balanced diet will support colour development and breeding condition.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Turkis peacocks are generally more peaceful than many other Malawi cichlids, but they are still cichlids and should be chosen with care. Ideal tank mates are other Lake Malawi species with similar size, water requirements and temperament. Avoid highly aggressive mbuna that may outcompete or bully them, especially in smaller aquariums.

Good companions include other peacock cichlids, some haps of similar temperament, and robust Malawi species that are not overly territorial. Keep an eye on male-to-male aggression, particularly in smaller tanks or if multiple brightly coloured males are introduced without enough space. A well-planned stocking strategy is essential for harmony.

Not suitable for delicate community fish, shrimp, or species that prefer soft, acidic water. These fish are best appreciated in a dedicated African cichlid aquarium where their natural behaviour and colour can shine.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, responsibly sourced aquatic livestock and aim to make online fishkeeping as reliable as possible. Your Aulonocara Turkis 4-5 cm will be packed with care for fast UK delivery, and every live fish order is backed by our live arrival guarantee for added peace of mind.

We understand that live fish are a commitment, so we focus on quality stock, careful handling and clear care information to help you succeed from day one. Whether you are starting a Malawi display or adding to an established cichlid collection, Aulonocara Turkis is a beautiful, rewarding fish that can become a true highlight of your aquarium.

Order today and enjoy a stunning peacock cichlid delivered safely to your door, ready to grow, colour up and become a standout feature in your tank.