Aulonocara hueseri

Aulonocara hueseri, the Night Aulonocara or Midnight Peacock, is one of the deepwater Aulonocara species collected from sandy and rocky interface habitats in Lake Malawi. Males display a rich dark navy-blue to near-black body overlaid with brilliant iridescent blue spots and patches — a colouration that is most striking in lower light conditions, earning it the 'Night' common name.

In its natural habitat, A. hueseri lives at greater depths than many other peacock cichlids and is adapted to lower light intensities. Like all Aulonocara, it hunts invertebrates by hovering above sandy substrate and detecting prey vibrations through the enlarged sensory pores on its lower jaw and cheek area.

In the aquarium, Aulonocara hueseri is less commonly kept than the standard peacock cichlids, making it a prized addition for collectors. It benefits from subdued lighting and sandy substrate areas for foraging. Standard peacock cichlid management applies — a harem setup, alkaline water, and quality meaty foods for optimal condition and colour display.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; stable parameters; subdued lighting suits this deepwater species. Tank: 200L minimum; sandy substrate for foraging; lower light intensity enhances display of dark-blue colouration. Feeding: Carnivore diet — frozen mysis, krill, and artemia; quality cichlid pellets with low vegetable content. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; clutch of 15-25 eggs; keep one male with two to three females. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive peacock cichlid; compatible with other peacocks and peaceful haps; avoid mbuna.