OB Marbled Peacock Cichlid – 5cm

Aulonocara sp. hybrid

The OB Marbled Peacock is a colourful African cichlid with a bold marbled pattern that can include blue, orange, red, yellow, black and white.

No two fish look exactly the same. Each OB Peacock develops its own mix of colour and pattern as it matures.

At approximately 5cm, these are young fish and will continue to grow and colour up over time.

At a Glance

• Approximate size: 5cm
• Adult size: Around 12–15cm
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care level: Moderate
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperature: Around 24–28°C
• pH: Around 7.5–8.5
• Water hardness: Moderate to hard
• Best suited to: African cichlid aquariums
• Origin: Captive-bred OB Peacock hybrid

Aquarium Care

OB Marbled Peacocks need a spacious aquarium with good filtration and plenty of open swimming room.

A typical setup should include:

• Sandy substrate
• Rocks and caves
• Open swimming areas
• Strong filtration
• Good oxygenation

Stable water quality is especially important in African cichlid tanks.

Regular water changes will help maintain healthy conditions.

Colour & Pattern

OB stands for Orange Blotch.

OB Peacocks are selectively bred for their irregular marbled colour pattern.

Individual fish may show different combinations of:

• Orange
• Red
• Blue
• Yellow
• Black
• White

Colour often becomes stronger as the fish matures.

Males usually develop the brightest colour, although individual appearance can vary significantly.

Temperament & Tank Mates

OB Peacocks are semi-aggressive.

They are generally best kept with other African cichlids of a similar size and temperament.

Suitable tank mates may include:

• Other Peacock Cichlids
• Haplochromine cichlids
• Compatible Lake Malawi species
• Other medium-sized African cichlids

Avoid very small or timid fish.

Highly aggressive Mbuna can also be too boisterous for many Peacock Cichlids.

Feeding

OB Peacocks do well on a varied diet.

Suitable foods include:

• Quality African cichlid pellets
• Peacock and Hap foods
• Spirulina-based foods
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Krill
• Other suitable frozen foods

Feed small amounts once or twice a day.

Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can quickly affect water quality.

Aquarium Size

Adult Peacock Cichlids need plenty of swimming space.

A tank around 200 litres or larger is a good starting point for an African cichlid community.

Longer aquariums are especially useful because they provide more room for fish to establish territories.

Keeping OB Peacocks Together

More than one OB Peacock can be kept together when the aquarium is large enough.

Males may become territorial, especially as they mature.

Providing plenty of caves, visual barriers and open space can help reduce aggression.

If breeding is important, avoid mixing different Aulonocara strains because Peacock Cichlids can crossbreed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does OB Peacock mean?

OB stands for Orange Blotch. The name refers to the irregular marbled colour pattern seen across the body and fins.

How big do OB Peacock Cichlids grow?

Adults commonly reach around 12–15cm, depending on genetics and the particular breeding line.

Are OB Peacocks aggressive?

They are semi-aggressive. They are usually less aggressive than many Mbuna but males can become territorial.

Will a 5cm OB Peacock become more colourful?

Yes. Young fish often develop stronger colour and more defined patterning as they mature.

What do OB Peacock Cichlids eat?

They do well on quality African cichlid pellets supported by foods such as spirulina, krill and frozen brine shrimp.

Can OB Peacocks live with other African cichlids?

Yes. They are best matched with other Peacock and Haplochromine cichlids of a similar size and temperament.

Are all OB Peacocks the same colour?

No. Their marbled pattern varies greatly between individual fish, which is part of their appeal.

Can I buy OB Marbled Peacock Cichlids online in Australia?

Yes. Aquaholics Online stocks OB Marbled Peacock Cichlids when available.