About Peacock Cichlid

Peacock Cichlids from Lake Malawi are among the most colorful freshwater fish available, with males displaying brilliant shades of blue, red, orange, yellow, and combinations thereof. Unlike mbuna, peacocks are carnivores that sift through sand looking for invertebrates. They are generally less aggressive than mbuna and can be kept with other peacocks and peaceful haplochromines. Each male needs his own territory, and a 75-gallon tank can house one male with 3-4 females. With dozens of color varieties available, peacocks are popular showpieces for African cichlid enthusiasts.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Peacocks need open space with some rock work and sand substrate.

Essential Setup:

  • 55+ gallons minimum for one male
  • 75+ gallons for multiple
  • Sand substrate: They sift through it
  • Rock piles for territories
  • Aragonite sand for pH
  • Strong filtration
  • Temperature 76-82°F
  • pH 7.8-8.6

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 7.8-8.6 (alkaline essential)
  • Water Hardness: Hard (10-25 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Carnivores that sift for food:

  • High-quality carnivore pellets
  • Frozen Mysis shrimp, krill
  • Occasional live foods
  • They sift through sand for invertebrates

Color Varieties

Dozens of varieties available:

  • Dragon Blood: Red/blue
  • Sunshine: Yellow/orange
  • Strawberry: Pink/red
  • Blue: Various blue shades
  • OB (Orange Blotch): Multi-colored
  • Sulfur Crested: Yellow with blue face

Behavior & Compatibility

Semi-aggressive harem fish:

  • Territorial males: Each needs territory
  • Harem: 1 male per 3-4 females
  • Less aggressive: Than mbuna
  • Carnivorous: Won’t eat plants

Stocking:

  • One male per 20 gallons minimum
  • Multiple females per male
  • Can mix different peacock species

Compatible With:

  • Other peacocks
  • Haplochromis (haps)
  • Peaceful mbuna (with caution)

Sand Sifting

Natural feeding behavior:

  • Sift through sand: Looking for invertebrates
  • Sand required: Not gravel
  • Aragonite preferred: Buffers pH
  • Beneficial: Keeps sand stirred

Breeding

Mouthbrooders:

  • Female carries: 18-28 days
  • Spawning: On flat rocks
  • Fry care: Female protects
  • Fast growing: Fry grow quickly

Tips for Success

  • Provide sand substrate
  • One male with multiple females
  • 75+ gallons recommended
  • Hard, alkaline water essential
  • Dazzling color display
  • Less aggressive than mbuna

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Other Peacocks
🐠 Haplochromis
🐠 Peaceful Mbuna