Aulonocara hansbaenschi Red Flush

Aulonocara hansbaenschi Red Flush is a selectively bred colour form of the Red Flash Peacock, a species originally collected from Mbenji Island. The Red Flush strain has been developed in captivity to maximise the red-orange body colouration, resulting in males that display an extraordinary full-body red flush combined with brilliant electric-blue on the head, gill plates, and dorsal fin. This colouration rivals the most vivid peacock cichlids available.

The wild-type A. hansbaenschi displays a more subdued orange colouration, with the intense Red Flush form resulting from decades of selective breeding in European and North American cichlid facilities. The species is a typical Aulonocara in behaviour, feeding by sensory detection over sandy substrates.

In the aquarium, the Red Flush is a showpiece peacock cichlid that forms an impressive centrepiece in any Malawi community. Males achieve full colouration at around 15-18 months. Regular astaxanthin supplementation in the diet is essential to maintain the intense red body colouration, which can fade on a poor-quality diet.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; high quality water with consistent chemistry; weekly changes. Tank: 200L minimum; sandy foraging areas and rocky structure; avoid high-aggression mbuna tank mates. Feeding: Astaxanthin-enriched pellets are critical for the red colouration; supplement with frozen mysis and krill. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; 15-25 eggs; red colouration is most intense during breeding display. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; ideal for hap-and-peacock communities; one of the most visually stunning peacocks.