Sulphurhead

About

Found only in Lake Malawi, this small peacock cichlid, Aulonocara maylandi maylandi, is best known in the hobby under the nickname "sulphurhead". A nod to the bright yellow band that runs from the snout along the dorsal surface and fin edge in males from West Reef and Eccles Reef near Makanjila Point. A second population at Kande Island shows a similar pattern but with a white dorsal stripe rather than yellow, and those fish have historically circulated in the trade under the incorrect name "A. kandeensis." Both forms are the same species. Among peacock cichlids, this one sits at the calmer end of the spectrum. Genuinely mild-mannered and somewhat timid compared to most of its relatives. That makes it a reasonable choice for a beginner willing to set up an appropriate Malawi environment, though its gentle nature means it can easily be bullied. Keeping it with other non-aggressive species such as Copadichromis or yellow lab-type Mbuna can work in a larger tank, but mixing it with other Aulonocara risks hybridization and is best avoided. It's a maternal mouthbrooder that will spawn readily once settled, and running a group with one male to several females helps keep harassment of any individual female to a manageable level.