Red Peacock

About

Known by hobbyists under several names including firebird cichlid, red peacock, and red flash, Aulonocara hansbaenschi is a peacock cichlid endemic to a relatively small stretch of southern Lake Malawi, between Fort Maguire and Masinje. In the wild it gravitates toward rocky areas with caves for shelter, and forages for tiny invertebrates living in and around sandy substrates. A mix of open sand and flat rocks in the aquarium suits it well and reflects its natural preferences. Males carry vivid coloration, while females are considerably more subdued, as is typical for the group. Males tend to be intolerant of other males with similar color patterns, so tankmate selection matters. Fish like Copadichromis, Placidochromis, or the yellow lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) can work, but mixing with other Aulonocara species is risky due to hybridization potential, and most mbuna are simply too rough. A single male kept with four to six females is the standard approach and helps spread out any male aggression during spawning. This species is a maternal mouthbrooder. Females carry eggs and fry for roughly three to four weeks, during which they eat little to nothing. While generally considered accessible for beginners willing to research Malawi cichlid social dynamics, getting the group composition right from the start makes all the difference.