Aulonocara sp. Stuartgranti Ngara

Aulonocara sp. 'Stuartgranti Ngara', commonly called the Ngara Flametail Peacock, is widely regarded as one of the most vivid and visually stunning peacock cichlids available in the hobby. Males display a deep electric-blue body with an exceptional fiery red-orange flush across the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins — the intensity of this colouration in prime males is extraordinary. Collected near Ngara on the Tanzanian coast of Lake Malawi.

The Ngara Flametail is taxonomically placed within the Aulonocara stuartgranti species complex and represents a distinct locality form. Like all Aulonocara, it is a sensory hunter that detects invertebrates buried in sandy substrate. It is a moderately sized peacock cichlid reaching around 13 cm.

In the aquarium, the Ngara Flametail is a centrepiece species for any Malawi hap and peacock community. Males in top condition are among the most visually arresting freshwater fish available anywhere in the hobby. Carotenoid-rich nutrition and excellent water quality are essential to achieve the full potential of the dramatic flame-orange fin colouration.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; pristine conditions with weekly changes maximise colour intensity. Tank: 200L minimum; sandy substrate essential for natural hovering-hunt behaviour; rocky backdrop. Feeding: Frozen mysis and krill as primary foods; astaxanthin-enriched pellets intensify the signature red-orange fins. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; 15-25 eggs; male colour peaks during courtship and spawning. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; perfect for hap-and-peacock communities; one of the finest show species available.