Aulonocara sp. 'Stuartgranti Usisya'

Aulonocara sp. 'Stuartgranti Usisya' is the Usisya locality collection of the Malawi Butterfly Peacock, one of the most variable and widely distributed Aulonocara species complexes. The Usisya form is prized for its particularly vivid color expression in dominant males — a deep cobalt-blue base with a bold yellow-orange dorsal and soft orange blush across the pectoral and anterior flanks.

Like all Aulonocara Peacocks, this species uses an acoustic lateral line system to detect invertebrates moving beneath the sand surface, hovering just above the substrate in a characteristic hunting posture before striking. In the aquarium this behavior is fascinating to observe and requires at least some fine sand in the substrate.

A reliable maternal mouthbrooder that breeds readily in well-maintained aquaria. Females are silver-grey. Males are mildly territorial toward conspecific males. One of the best intermediate-difficulty Peacocks for beginners to the Aulonocara hobby.

Water: pH 7.6–8.8, 24–28°C, GH 10–20, KH 10–18; pristine conditions encourage full color expression. Tank: 200 L minimum; sandy substrate essential for foraging behavior; some rocky borders for territory. Feeding: Carnivore pellets, frozen mysis, Artemia, and occasional spirulina; feed twice daily. Breeding: Easy maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 3 weeks; breed freely in community; isolate female if needed. Compatibility: Excellent with other Peacocks, Copadichromis, Lethrinops, and peaceful Haps; avoid mbuna.