Red Shoulder Peacock

Aulonocara hansbaenschi is found at Red Flush, Maleri Island, and several other rocky localities in Lake Malawi. Dominant males develop a fiery red-orange blush across the shoulders and operculum contrasting dramatically with deep blue flanks. It is an active and moderately aggressive peacock that does well in a haplochromine-dominant community.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline water; perform weekly water changes. Tank: 200L minimum; combination of rocky territories and open sandy floor. Feeding: Cichlid pellets and meaty frozen foods; supplement with spirulina occasionally. Behaviour: Males territorial; keep harems (1 male : 3+ females) to spread aggression. Compatibility: Compatible with similarly sized haps and peacocks; avoid very aggressive mbuna.