A rarer Lake Malawi peacock cichlid from the Chitande Island area. Keep Ethelwynn's Peacock in hard alkaline water with open sand and careful Aulonocara stocking.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Aulonocara ethelwynnae

Max Adult Size

up to 12 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

150L

Diet

Cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, krill, spirulina

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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.

Water Parameters

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal28°C

pH Level

7.5–8.5

7.5Ideal8.5

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal25 dGH

Aulonocara ethelwynnae

Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara ethelwynnae)

Name: Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara ethelwynnae)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: N093
Availability: InStock

Moderate Care

Semi-Aggressive

£19.99

Size: 4 - 5 cm

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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.

£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.

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A rarer Lake Malawi peacock cichlid from the Chitande Island area. Keep Ethelwynn's Peacock in hard alkaline water with open sand and careful Aulonocara stocking.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Aulonocara ethelwynnae

Max Adult Size

up to 12 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

150L

Diet

Cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, krill, spirulina

Source-labelled Bolivian ram swimming above aquarium gravel

Full Care Guide

Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning

Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.

14 min readRead guide

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal28°C

pH Level

7.5–8.5

7.5Ideal8.5

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal25 dGH

Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara ethelwynnae) is a rarer Lake Malawi peacock associated with the Chitande Island area. Choose from the 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm and XL size options shown on this page, checking availability before ordering. These are purchase grades, not adult sizes; no option guarantees a sex or a bonded pair.

Quick Facts

Scientific name	Aulonocara ethelwynnae
Adult size	Allow for about 12 cm in aquarium planning; FishBase records 7.1 cm standard length, a different measurement
Minimum aquarium	150 litres or larger
Water	24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline water
Diet	Cichlid pellets, small crustaceans and spirulina-rich foods
Temperament	Semi-aggressive; best in planned Aulonocara groups

Care and Setup

Use open sand, rock retreats and stable Malawi water. Avoid mixing many similar Peacock males in a small aquarium, and keep locality/colour forms planned to reduce stress and accidental hybridisation.

Buying from Tropical Fish Co

Order with clear care guidance. Livestock is packed for a licensed live-animal courier with a Live Arrival Guarantee subject to its published terms. Read the delivery and live-arrival information before ordering, and arrange for someone to receive the parcel.

Related Peacock Cichlids

Freibergs Peacock Cichlid
Benga Peacock Cichlid
Blue-Gold Peacock Cichlid
Lwanda Peacock Cichlid
Flavescent Peacock Cichlid
Maulana Bicolor Peacock

These peacocks are comparisons to help you choose a display, not a guarantee that different males or locality forms can be housed together. Assess territory and the risk of hybridisation before mixing them.

Species facts

Published records for Aulonocara ethelwynnae — useful when planning the aquarium around the adult fish rather than the size supplied.

Where it lives: Lake Malawi, only occurring in the north-west of the Lake near Chitande Island (Wikipedia)

Published accounts describe the wild diet as benthic invertebrates (Wikipedia); match it with a varied aquarium diet.

Keeping notes

Hardness 10–25 dGH. Typical lifespan around 10 years with stable water. Swims mainly in the middle part of the aquarium. Breeding difficulty: moderate.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid online in the UK safely?

Before ordering, read the delivery and live-arrival terms and prepare a mature Malawi aquarium with open sand and rock retreats. The guide recommends 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5 and stable hard, alkaline water. Arrange for someone to receive the parcel.

What should I look for when buying a healthy Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid?

Look for clear eyes, full finnage, steady swimming, and strong colour for its age. Healthy Malawi peacocks should feed eagerly, show no white spots, and suit a 150-litre or larger aquarium with stable alkaline water.

Can beginners keep Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid as a tropical fish starter species?

Yes, but it suits confident beginners rather than first-time keepers. This semi-aggressive Lake Malawi cichlid needs 150 litres, 24-28°C water, pH 7.5-8.5, and careful stocking with suitable African cichlid tank mates.

What tank size does Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid need to thrive long term?

The guide recommends at least 150 litres for long-term care. A larger Malawi aquarium with open sand, rockwork and strong filtration gives the adult fish room to display natural behaviour and colour. The guide's 12 cm planning allowance is distinct from FishBase's 7.1 cm standard-length record.

What water parameters are best for Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid in home aquariums?

Keep Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid at 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, and 10-25 dGH. Stable hard water is vital for Lake Malawi fish, so avoid soft acidic setups and make changes gradually to reduce stress.

How should I set up a tank for Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid properly?

Use a sandy substrate, secure rock structures, and open swimming space in the middle. This Aulonocara species comes from mixed rock-and-sand habitat, so a balanced Malawi setup supports territory, foraging, and comfort.

What does Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid eat in a well-balanced aquarium diet?

Feed cichlid pellets as the staple, with frozen brine shrimp, krill, and some spirulina. As an omnivorous peacock cichlid, it benefits from varied protein and plant content without excessive fatty foods.

How often should I feed Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid without causing overfeeding problems?

Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, only what they finish quickly. Peacock cichlids do best on measured meals of pellets and frozen foods, helping maintain water quality and reducing digestive issues in Malawi tanks.

Can Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid live in a community tropical fish aquarium?

No, it is not ideal for a standard community aquarium. This semi-aggressive African cichlid may harass small peaceful fish, and it does best with other compatible Malawi species in hard, alkaline water.

Which fish can live with Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid in a Malawi setup?

Good tank mates include other Peacock cichlids, mild haps, and Synodontis catfish. Choose similarly sized Malawi fish that tolerate 24-28°C and pH 7.5-8.5, and avoid overly aggressive or very small species.

Why should I avoid keeping Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid with shrimp or tiny fish?

You should avoid shrimp and tiny fish because they are likely to be bullied or eaten. Aulonocara ethelwynnae is a semi-aggressive predator of benthic invertebrates, so small tank mates are a poor match.

Should I keep one male or several males of Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid?

Keep one male with several females rather than multiple males in smaller tanks. Males are territorial year-round, so limiting male rivalry helps reduce stress, chasing, and aggression in the aquarium.

How aggressive is Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid compared with other Malawi cichlids?

It is semi-aggressive and usually less hostile than many Mbuna. Like other peacock cichlids, males defend territories, but with enough space, rockwork, and suitable stocking, aggression is often manageable.

How do I breed Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid successfully in a home aquarium?

Breed them in stable hard water with sand, rock cover, and a calm harem group. This Malawi cichlid is a maternal mouthbrooder, and females usually spawn after choosing a male's territory or sandy site.

What breeding behaviour should I expect from Ethelwynn's Peacock Cichlid adults?

Expect males to hold territories and intensify in colour as they mature. Females approach ready males to spawn, then carry the brood in the mouth, which is typical mouthbrooding behaviour for Lake Malawi peacocks.

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What customers say about ordering from us

4.6 on Google Maps 4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them

4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026