Aulonocara baenschi 'Nkhomo'

Aulonocara baenschi, the Nkhomo Benga Peacock or Sunshine Peacock, is one of the most brilliantly and reliably coloured peacock cichlid species in the hobby, with breeding males displaying a striking two-tone pattern of intense canary-yellow on the body and brilliant blue-violet on the head. This dramatic colour contrast is consistent across well-conditioned males and makes it one of the most immediately eye-catching Lake Malawi species. Originating from Nkhomo Reef and the Benga area of Lake Malawi, this peacock naturally inhabits transitional zones between sandy and rocky habitats, hunting by the characteristic Aulonocara technique of hovering over sand and using its highly sensitive lateral line to detect buried invertebrates. Females are silver-grey and substantially smaller than males.

House in a sandy-bottomed Malawi aquarium of at least 200 litres with background rockwork. Keep one male with two or more females. Maintain hard, alkaline water. Feed small pellets, frozen mysis, and cyclops. Perform weekly water changes of 20–25%. Male colour intensity is most vivid in stress-free conditions with good water quality and compatible tankmates.