Moderate
Blue orchid Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara candensis)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 150L
£15.99
Add vivid Lake Malawi colour to your tank with the Maulana Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara maulana), a moderate-care Peacock cichlid in the neon red calico form. Buy online today for tracked UK delivery.
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 maulana
Maulana Peacock Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Add vivid Lake Malawi colour to your tank with the Maulana Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara maulana), a moderate-care Peacock cichlid in the neon red calico form. Buy online today for tracked UK delivery.
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
The Maulana Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara maulana) is one of the most striking Peacock cichlids available among tropical fish for sale UK keepers can choose for a true display centrepiece. Often traded under the neon red calico colour form, this Lake Malawi cichlid UK favourite combines metallic blue, red, orange and calico patterning with the alert, inquisitive personality Peacock cichlids are known for. Unlike many rougher African species, it is frequently chosen by aquarists who want colour and character without the constant pressure of highly aggressive Mbuna. Adult males reach around 15 cm, can live up to 10 years, and do best in hard, alkaline water with a stable tropical fish temperature of 24 to 28°C. That makes it a smart option for anyone browsing a tropical fish store, comparing aquarium fish for sale online uk, or wondering where to buy aquarium fish uk for a Malawi setup.
Our photos show the developing juvenile pattern and the richer adult colour this species is famous for, so you can judge body shape, finnage and early colour potential before you buy live fish online uk. For keepers looking at freshwater aquarium fish for sale uk, live aquarium fish for sale uk, or even rare aquarium fish for sale uk, this moderate-care Peacock offers an excellent balance of beauty, manageable temperament and long-term value in a properly planned Malawi aquarium. New to African cichlids? Our cichlid care guide covers the water chemistry and stocking principles behind every fish on this page.
The Maulana Peacock belongs to the well-known Peacock cichlid group from East Africa. Aulonocara species are prized in the aquarium hobby for their intense male colour, active midwater swimming and less combative nature compared with many rock-dwelling Mbuna. In the trade these fish are usually sold as juveniles at 3-5 cm, but mature males become far more vivid than their young size suggests.
The Maulana Peacock is part of the Aulonocara group from Lake Malawi, East Africa. In nature, Peacock cichlids are associated with sandy or mixed sand-and-rock zones where they search for tiny invertebrates in the substrate, which is exactly why a sandy bottom works so well in the aquarium. Its care reflects classic Malawi conditions: mineral-rich water, stable chemistry, warm temperatures and plenty of visual structure.
Understanding the natural setting is the key to meeting african cichlid care requirements. Lake Malawi is famous for clear, alkaline water with high dissolved minerals, so this Peacock's water should always be hard and buffered rather than soft and acidic. In the wild, related species patrol open sand, dip down to inspect the bottom, and retreat to rock features when challenged. That natural pattern shapes its behaviour in captivity too: alert, curious and territorial around chosen areas, but usually not as relentlessly aggressive as many Mbuna.
For shoppers comparing tropical fish for sale, this species stands out because it brings authentic Malawi colour without demanding a species-only setup. It rewards good husbandry with stronger colour over time, which makes it a sensible choice for anyone searching to buy the Maulana Peacock online in the UK and wanting a fish with a well-understood care pattern. It needs genuine hard, alkaline water, so it is not suitable for soft-water Amazon biotopes, heavily acidic blackwater tanks, or mixed setups with delicate nano fish.
Mimicking the natural habitat with open sand, broken lines of sight and strong filtration improves confidence, reduces chasing and often brings out better colour in Peacock cichlids within a few weeks.
The minimum tank size for a growing juvenile starts at 200 litres, but that is really the practical floor for a small group. For long-term success, especially if you plan to keep one male with three or more females, 240-300 litres is a much better target. Tank size matters because these fish need both swimming room and separated territories; in cramped quarters even a moderate Peacock can become pushy.
A proper Malawi tank setup should include open floor area, not just piles of rock. Unlike some Mbuna, Peacocks use the middle region and sandy base extensively. If you are planning a larger display, you can build a much more stable social structure with multiple females and compatible haps or other Peacock species.
The ideal tropical fish temperature range is 24-28°C, with 25-26°C often being the sweet spot for routine care. Keep pH between 7.5 and 8.5 and hardness between 10 and 25 dGH. Those core water parameters support digestion, osmoregulation and colour.
This species is especially well suited to hard-water care. If your local water is naturally soft, use a Malawi buffer system or mineral salts rather than chasing pH with unstable chemical fixes. Stable water hardness matters far more than hitting an exact number once.
Peacock cichlids are active eaters and produce a fair amount of waste, so strong biological filtration is essential. Aim for total turnover of around 6-8 times tank volume per hour. A quality external canister filter gives the best balance of mechanical and biological capacity for a Malawi setup. Pairing it with an air stone or powerhead improves oxygen levels, especially in warmer months when the tropical fish temperature rises toward the upper end of the safe range.
Fine sand is the best choice. It allows natural foraging and reduces the risk of mouth or gill irritation compared with sharp gravel. A pale substrate also reflects light upward and can make male colour pop, which is one reason the species does better in a dedicated cichlid layout than in a generic tropical fish tank with mixed gravel and random ornaments.
Rock piles, caves and visual barriers are useful, but leave open areas for swimming. If you want greenery, choose tough species attached to décor rather than delicate stem plants. This fish is not ideal for a lush aquascape; planted-tank use is limited to hardy, well-anchored plants such as Anubias or Java fern. For related cichlid companions, consider Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara or Aulonocara kandeense in a similarly structured Malawi display.
Moderate lighting works best: bright enough to show colour, but not so intense that fish become skittish in a sparsely decorated tank. A 7-9 hour photoperiod is usually sufficient. If algae becomes excessive, reduce intensity or duration before changing the fish stocking.
Always cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding Peacock cichlids. Moderate-care Malawi fish are far less forgiving of ammonia and nitrite than many beginners expect, even if the fish look active on day one.
The diet is best described as omnivorous with a strong preference for protein-rich foods from the substrate. In nature, Peacock cichlids sift sand and pick out tiny invertebrates. In the aquarium, that means they do best on a high-quality cichlid pellet supported by frozen foods and occasional vegetable matter. If you are comparing options while browsing to buy fish online or weighing up aquarium fish for sale uk, this species is straightforward to feed as long as you avoid greasy mammal meats and excessive filler foods.
Use a quality sinking or slow-sinking cichlid pellet as the main daily food. This gives consistent nutrition and supports growth without the bloat risks associated with poor diets. For routine feeding, offer only what the fish can finish in 30-60 seconds.
Frozen brine shrimp, krill, mysis and daphnia are excellent additions 2-4 times per week. Spirulina-based foods help round out nutrition and support digestive health. This species is not a strict herbivore, but some plant content is still useful in captive care.
To condition fish for spawning, increase variety rather than simply feeding more. A mix of quality pellets, frozen brine shrimp and krill works well as breeding preparation. This fish suits a Malawi-based community tank, but only if the tank mates share similar diet and water chemistry.
Juveniles can be fed 2-3 small meals daily. Adults usually do best on two measured feeds. Avoid the common mistake of feeding until the fish stop begging: Peacock cichlids are opportunistic and will often continue eating after they should have stopped.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Quality cichlid pellets | Small portion eaten in 30-60 seconds |
| Evening | Pellets or frozen brine shrimp/krill | Small portion, no leftovers |
Avoid beef heart, fatty meats, excess bloodworm as a staple, and low-grade flake packed with fillers. These can contribute to digestive trouble, poor colour and water quality issues. Peacock cichlids should never be treated like goldfish or mixed with temperate, coldwater species, whose needs are completely different.
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, cloudy water and long-term health problems. In Malawi tanks, too much rich food plus poor maintenance is one of the fastest ways to trigger bloat and stress-related disease.
This fish is sold young at around 3-5 cm, but adult males can reach roughly 15 cm and become dramatically more colourful with age. The body is laterally compressed, sleek and athletic, with long dorsal and anal fins that add to the display effect. Mature males show a mix of electric blue face tones, a red to orange body wash, and irregular calico blotching or marbling that makes each specimen slightly different.
Females are much plainer, usually silver-grey to beige with faint patterning. That difference matters when selecting a social group, because an african cichlid uk male will show the strongest colour but also the most territorial display behaviour. If you are shopping for medium-size tropical fish online, remember that juveniles may not yet show their final adult intensity.
The Maulana Peacock is semi-aggressive, but in the cichlid world that often means manageable rather than chaotic. It is not a classic community tropical fish uk choice in the tetra-and-gourami sense, yet it works very well in a carefully planned Malawi community. The key to compatible tank mates is choosing species with similar water chemistry needs, comparable size and a temperament that is neither too timid nor too violent.
The best tank mates include other Peacock cichlids, mild haps and sturdy bottom dwellers such as Synodontis catfish. Good examples from related stock include Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara and Aulonocara kandeense. In larger displays, some keepers also compare them with fish like Thorichthys Maculipinnis - Elliot'S Cichlid - or Guianacara Dacrya - South American Cichlid, though those are less ideal due to different water preferences.
For a balanced community tank, keep one male with several females and avoid mixing multiple similar-looking dominant males in a small aquarium. This species works in a community only when that community is Malawi-based rather than a general tropical assortment.
Avoid aggressive Mbuna such as highly territorial rock dwellers, very small fish like tetras, and all shrimp. The fish will view tiny tank mates as food or targets, so delicate nano species and soft-water community fish are simply the wrong match for a hard, alkaline Malawi tank.
For a 240-litre setup, a sensible starting point is 1 male Maulana Peacock with 3-4 females and a small group of compatible Synodontis. In a 300-litre or larger tank, you can add another Peacock species such as Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara or look at robust African species like Black Widow Humphead Cichlid - Cyphotilapia only if the tank is much larger and the compatibility has been thought through carefully.
Shrimp are not recommended. Snails may survive, but they are not always left alone. This is a predatory, substrate-aware cichlid that investigates anything small on the bottom.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara | ✅ Yes | Good match in similar Malawi water and temperament |
| Aulonocara kandeense | ✅ Yes | Works well in larger Peacock communities with careful male ratios |
| Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus | ⚠️ Caution | More aggressive Mbuna behaviour may stress Peacocks |
| Kiriza Yellow Cichlid - Tropheus Moorii | ⚠️ Caution | Different dietary and social needs; not a simple mix |
| Small tetras | ❌ Avoid | Too small and unsuitable for hard alkaline Malawi setups |
| Shrimp | ❌ Avoid | Likely to be hunted |
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a Malawi display. Even healthy-looking cichlids can carry parasites that spread quickly in warm, mineral-rich aquariums.
The Maulana Peacock is a maternal mouthbrooder, and breeding is very achievable once the fish are mature and settled. The species is best rated as moderate rather than easy, because success depends on correct sex ratios, strong conditioning and keeping stress low. If you want an african cichlid care guide with real breeding potential, this is one of the more rewarding Peacock species to work with.
A dedicated breeding group should be kept as one male with at least three females, which reduces pressure on any single female. A separate tank of 200 litres or more works well, with fine sand, rock markers and excellent water quality. A true breeding pair can work temporarily, but a harem structure is usually safer and more natural.
The male intensifies in colour, clears a display area and courts females with quivering, circling and flared fins. Once eggs are laid and fertilised, the female collects them in her mouth. This is the key stage in african cichlid uk breeding that surprises many first-time keepers: the female may stop eating while holding.
As a mouthbrooder, the female carries eggs and then fry for around 18-28 days depending on temperature and individual fish. A stable ideal temperature and minimal chasing are essential. Some breeders strip eggs or wrigglers, but many hobbyists get better results by allowing an experienced female to hold naturally.
Once released, fry can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp, crushed cichlid fry food and finely powdered prepared diets. Frequent small water changes support fast, even growth. A strong care routine always includes grow-out planning, because juveniles need space as they size up.
The biggest issues are female harassment, swallowed broods due to stress, and poor fertility from underconditioned fish. This is why many serious keepers seek stock from a specialist African cichlid UK source or an african cichlid uk breeder rather than buying random mixed juveniles. For general care this fish is suitable for beginners, but breeding still benefits from some prior cichlid experience.
Condition females heavily before introducing a dominant male display area, and provide multiple broken sight lines. In many setups, females hold more reliably when they can retreat behind rock formations without constant visual pressure from the male.
Many buyers comparing colourful african cichlid uk fish for a display end up choosing between this fish and another Peacock. That is a sensible comparison, because husbandry is similar while colour style and temperament can differ.
| Feature | Maulana Peacock | Rubin Red Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 15 cm | 15 cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 24-28°C | 24-28°C |
| Water Type | Hard alkaline Malawi water | Hard alkaline Malawi water |
| Best For | Mixed colour, calico pattern lovers | Solid red-blue Peacock displays |
| Feature | Maulana Peacock | Yellow Elongatus |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Hard alkaline Malawi water | Hard alkaline Malawi water |
| Aggression | Semi-aggressive | Higher, more Mbuna-like |
| Layout Need | Open sand plus rocks | Heavy rockwork |
| Best For | Balanced Peacock communities | Mbuna-focused tanks |
Choose the Maulana Peacock if you want a Malawi cichlid that is colourful, active and easier to integrate than many rock-dwelling species. Choose Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara if you prefer a cleaner, more uniform colour block. Choose Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus only if you specifically want a more assertive Mbuna setup.
A healthy Maulana Peacock is alert, responsive and balanced in the water. It should show clear eyes, intact fins, good body weight and regular interest in food. In a settled tank, males display colour confidently and patrol the middle region rather than hiding constantly.
The main risks are Malawi bloat, external parasites such as white spot, bacterial fin damage after fighting, and stress-related secondary infections. Poor water quality and the wrong diet are the usual triggers, so a careful husbandry mindset matters far more than chasing miracle cures later.
The first response should always be to test water, improve oxygenation and perform measured water changes. Isolate badly affected fish where possible. Use proven cichlid-safe treatments and follow dosing exactly. The best way to avoid weak stock in the first place is to buy active, feeding fish from a source that quarantines properly.
Stable hard alkaline water, moderate stocking, a controlled diet and regular maintenance prevent most problems. Avoid mixing this fish with unsuitable temperate species or tiny community-fish bundles; mixed chemistry and temperament usually cause trouble in a Malawi tank.
Quarantine all new arrivals for 2-4 weeks in a separate heated, filtered tank. Observe for flashing, white spots, clamped fins, stringy waste or refusal to eat. This is standard good practice in any serious african cichlid uk healthcare routine.
NEVER use copper-based medications with invertebrates - they are lethal to shrimp. Even though shrimp are not suitable tank mates here, many aquarists keep separate systems and accidentally cross-use medications.
The behaviour profile is one of the reasons this fish remains so popular. It is active without being frantic, territorial without always being destructive, and intelligent enough to recognise feeding routines quickly. Most individuals spend their time cruising the middle level, inspecting the substrate and reacting to movement outside the tank.
Males become more assertive as they mature and establish display areas. Females are calmer and spend more time avoiding direct conflict. If the tank is too bare, the fish may become jumpy or overly dominant. If the layout includes sand, rocks and open water, you are far more likely to see natural display, foraging and courtship behaviour.
This species is not one of the easiest tropical fish for beginners in the broadest sense, but it is one of the more approachable African cichlids for aquarists ready to maintain hard, alkaline water, and it offers far more visible personality than many generic community fish.
When people ask where to buy aquarium fish uk or look for the best place to buy tropical fish uk, they usually want three things: healthy stock, correct identification and safe delivery. For this Peacock cichlid those details matter, because juveniles can look similar to other Malawi fish when poorly labelled, and stressed imports often fail to settle properly.
Our Maulana Peacocks are selected for body shape, alert behaviour and early colour development, not just for being available on a list. Each fish is observed before sale, acclimated to aquarium conditions and checked for feeding response. That matters when you buy aquarium fish online uk or buy aquarium fish uk and compare options on long-term success rather than headline price. Cheap fish that arrive weak are rarely cheap in the end.
For delivery, fish are packed in insulated boxes with professional bagging methods, and heat packs are used in cold weather when needed. Tracked dispatch reduces time in transit, and a live arrival guarantee applies under the stated delivery and claim conditions. That is important for customers who want to buy live fish online uk with confidence rather than guesswork. We also include practical acclimation guidance so your fish enter the tank gradually and safely.
Compared with a generic local shop, the real difference is species-specific care. This fish needs Malawi water, measured feeding and the right social structure. Order your Maulana Peacock today if you want a true display fish rather than a random mixed cichlid.
Building a Malawi display is easier when you choose compatible stock from the start. Pair this fish with Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara for a vivid Peacock-focused layout, or add Aulonocara kandeense for another elegant open-water Malawi species. If you prefer a more assertive rock-dwelling look, consider Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus in a separate Mbuna-style setup. For aquarists exploring other cichlid lines, Thorichthys Maculipinnis - Elliot'S Cichlid -, Guianacara Dacrya - South American Cichlid and Black Widow Humphead Cichlid - Cyphotilapia show how temperament and water chemistry vary across the cichlid family.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 150L
24–26°C · pH 7.5–8.4 · 250L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L