Hybrid Peacock Aulonocara

Hybrid Peacock cichlids are produced by crossing multiple Aulonocara species from Lake Malawi, with the goal of combining the most vivid colour traits of each parent species into a single fish. The resulting males often display complex multi-colour patterns including electric blue, vivid red, and bright yellow — hues that may come from different species in the same fish — creating an appearance of extraordinary visual impact.

While cichlid purists prefer pure species, many aquarists appreciate hybrid Peacocks for their often superior colouration compared to any single species and their robust hybrid vigour. They are hardy, colourful, and active, making them excellent display fish for Malawi-type aquariums.

Hybrid Peacocks require the same alkaline, hard water conditions as pure Aulonocara species and do best in a rocky aquarium with a crushed coral or aragonite substrate to buffer the pH.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, hard water (GH 15–25); use aragonite or coral substrate to maintain high pH. Tank: Minimum 200L; rockwork for territorial definition; multiple females to distribute male aggression. Feeding: Carnivore; quality Malawi cichlid pellets; avoid excess protein from bloodworm which can cause bloat. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; male displays to females; female broods eggs and fry in mouth for 3–4 weeks. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; Malawi community suitable with other non-aggressive Peacocks and Haplochromines.