The Strawberry Peacock (Aulonocara sp.) is one of the most visually striking members of the Aulonocara genus, bred selectively to produce vibrant red, orange, and pink coloration across the entire body. Males are brilliantly colored while females remain a more subdued brownish hue. Native to Lake Malawi, this cichlid inhabits sandy and rocky transition zones where it uses sensory pores along its lower jaw to detect invertebrates buried in the substrate. In the aquarium, the Strawberry Peacock is considered one of the more manageable Malawi cichlids, displaying semi-aggressive behavior primarily during spawning. It is a mouthbrooder, with females carrying fertilized eggs and fry in the buccal cavity for several weeks. Keeping one male with multiple females reduces aggression and encourages natural breeding behavior. This fish thrives in hard, alkaline water that replicates the chemistry of Lake Malawi. Decor should include piles of rock to define territories while leaving open sandy areas for foraging. A well-filtered, spacious aquarium is essential as Malawi cichlids produce significant waste. The Strawberry Peacock pairs well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Aulonocara species and non-mbuna Haplochromines of similar size.
