Assorted Peacock Cichlid 5cm – Aulonocara African Cichlid

Assorted Peacock Cichlid 5cm (Aulonocara spp.) is a popular African cichlid known for its beautiful colours, active behaviour and impressive adult appearance. Originating from the Lake Malawi cichlid group, Peacock Cichlids are among the most colourful freshwater aquarium fish available.

Our Assorted Peacocks are supplied at approximately 5cm and may include a selection of blue, yellow, orange, red or multicoloured varieties, depending on availability.

These juvenile fish are an excellent choice for aquarists building a compatible Lake Malawi cichlid aquarium. As they mature, males of many varieties develop striking colouration, although the final colour and sex cannot be guaranteed at this size.

Please note: This is an assorted selection. Individual colours, patterns, species, strains and sex will vary. Product photographs are examples only.

Assorted Peacock Cichlid Fish Profile

• Scientific name: Aulonocara spp. and assorted aquarium strains
• Common name: Assorted Peacock Cichlid, African Peacock Cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa; captive-bred colour strains may also be included
• Sale size: Approximately 5cm
• Adult size: Commonly 12–15cm, depending on variety
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial behaviour may increase with maturity
• Care level: Intermediate
• Recommended adult aquarium: Approximately 240 litres or larger, with at least a 120 x 45cm footprint for suitable species and stocking plans
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Preferred pH: 7.5–8.5
• General hardness: Approximately 10–20 dGH
• Diet: Omnivorous with an emphasis on small aquatic invertebrates
• Swimming level: Mainly lower to middle water levels
• Suitable aquarium: Established Lake Malawi cichlid aquarium
• Colour and sex: Assorted; not guaranteed

Why Choose Assorted Peacock Cichlids?

• Beautiful colour potential: Different varieties may develop blue, yellow, orange, red or multicoloured patterns.
• Active personalities: Curious fish that explore the aquarium and interact with other cichlids.
• Great for Malawi displays: A popular choice for dedicated African cichlid aquariums.
• Interesting adult appearance: Mature males of many varieties develop vibrant colouration.
• Versatile assortment: A selection of Peacock varieties rather than one specific colour strain.
• Readily accepts prepared food: Suitable cichlid pellets and complementary frozen foods make feeding straightforward.

What Colours Will Assorted Peacock Cichlids Be?

One of the main attractions of Peacock Cichlids is the wide variety of colours found across the Aulonocara group.

Depending on the varieties available, the assortment may include fish with blue, yellow, orange, red or mixed colouration.

At approximately 5cm, many juveniles have not yet developed their full adult colours. Male Peacock Cichlids often become more colourful as they mature, while females and some juveniles may retain more subdued brown, grey or silver colouring.

Important: Assorted fish are selected according to current stock. We cannot guarantee a particular colour, named strain, mature appearance or sex.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Peacock Cichlids are best maintained in spacious, well-filtered aquariums designed around the water conditions of Lake Malawi.

A suitable setup should include:

• Fine sand substrate: Allows natural searching and sifting behaviour.
• Open swimming areas: Provides space for active adult fish.
• Rock formations: Creates shelter, visual barriers and places for less dominant fish to retreat.
• Strong biological filtration: Supports good water quality as the fish grow.
• Good oxygenation: Maintains suitable conditions for active African cichlids.
• Stable alkaline water: Helps replicate the mineral-rich conditions preferred by Lake Malawi species.
• Secure aquarium lid: Reduces the risk of fish jumping.

Rockwork should be positioned securely to prevent collapse as the fish explore the aquarium.

Explore our aquascaping supplies for aquarium sand, suitable rocks and other hardscape materials.

Peacock Cichlid Water Parameters

Peacock Cichlids prefer warm, hard, alkaline freshwater. Stable water chemistry is particularly important for long-term health.

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Preferred pH: 7.5–8.5
• General hardness: Approximately 10–20 dGH
• Ammonia: 0ppm
• Nitrite: 0ppm
• Nitrate: Keep low with effective filtration and regular water changes

Different Aulonocara species can have slightly different requirements, so these values are a practical general guide for assorted aquarium strains.

Avoid sudden changes in pH or hardness. Establish appropriate water conditions before introducing the fish rather than repeatedly adjusting an occupied aquarium.

Are Peacock Cichlids Aggressive?

Peacock Cichlids are generally less aggressive than many strongly territorial Lake Malawi mbuna, but they are not peaceful community fish.

Adult males can establish territories, display to other fish and compete for space. Aggression depends on the variety, sex ratio, aquarium layout and number of fish.

Providing adequate swimming space, rockwork and visual barriers can help reduce conflict.

Because this listing contains assorted juveniles, it is not possible to guarantee a particular male-to-female ratio. Fish may need to be separated or rehomed as they mature if aggression develops.

Suitable Tank Mates

Assorted Peacock Cichlids are best kept with appropriately sized African cichlids that have similar water requirements and compatible temperaments.

Potential tank mates include:

• Other Peacock Cichlids: Compatible individuals in a properly planned aquarium with sufficient space.
• Selected Haplochromine Cichlids: Suitable Lake Malawi species of comparable size and temperament.
• Other carefully selected Malawi species: Where diet, aggression and adult size are compatible.

Avoid keeping them with small peaceful tropical fish, very timid species or fish requiring soft, acidic water.

Highly aggressive mbuna may intimidate or injure Peacocks, so mixed Malawi communities should be planned carefully.

Where named Peacock strains are being maintained for breeding, avoid mixing varieties that may hybridise.

What Do Peacock Cichlids Eat?

Many Aulonocara species naturally search sandy areas for small invertebrates. In an aquarium, they readily accept suitable prepared foods.

Provide a varied diet including:

• High-quality sinking cichlid pellets.
• Suitable African cichlid flakes.
• Frozen brine shrimp or mysis shrimp.
• Occasional appropriate invertebrate-based foods.
• Complementary plant-based ingredients as part of a balanced prepared diet.

Feed controlled portions once or twice daily, adjusting the quantity to fish size and appetite.

Avoid excessive feeding and unsuitable high-fat mammalian meats. Good water quality and balanced nutrition support natural growth and colour development.

Browse our fish food range for suitable African cichlid foods.

How Big Do Peacock Cichlids Grow?

Most commonly kept Peacock Cichlid varieties reach approximately 12–15cm as adults, although final size varies between species and strains.

Fish sold at 5cm are juveniles and need sufficient space as they grow.

For a planned adult Peacock community, an aquarium around 240 litres or larger with a footprint of at least 120 x 45cm is a useful starting point. Larger aquariums may be needed depending on the number, sex and species of fish.

Do not choose aquarium size based only on the 5cm sale size.

Important Information About Assorted Peacock Cichlids

This listing is for one Assorted Peacock Cichlid measuring approximately 5cm.

The fish supplied will be selected from the assortment available at the time of your order.

Colour, markings, sex and exact variety cannot be guaranteed. Juvenile colouration may change substantially as the fish mature.

If you require a particular named Peacock Cichlid variety or a confirmed male, choose a specifically identified product rather than an assorted juvenile listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colours are Assorted Peacock Cichlids?

Assorted Peacock Cichlids may include blue, yellow, orange, red and multicoloured varieties. The exact colour and strain supplied depend on stock availability.

Will my 5cm Peacock Cichlid develop more colour?

Many male Peacocks develop stronger colours as they mature. However, juveniles may be male or female, and the final colour cannot be guaranteed.

How big do Peacock Cichlids grow?

Most commonly kept varieties grow to approximately 12–15cm, although adult size varies between species and aquarium strains.

What pH do Peacock Cichlids need?

A preferred pH range of approximately 7.5–8.5 is suitable for many Lake Malawi Peacock Cichlids. Stable, hard, alkaline water is important.

Are Peacock Cichlids aggressive?

They are semi-aggressive. Males can become territorial, particularly as they mature. Provide a suitably large aquarium, hiding places and compatible tank mates.

Can Peacock Cichlids live with Electric Yellow Cichlids?

They may be kept together in some carefully planned Malawi aquariums, but compatibility depends on individual temperament, diet, aquarium size and available shelter. Mixed communities require monitoring.

What do Peacock Cichlids eat?

They accept suitable cichlid pellets, flakes and small frozen invertebrate foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

Can I choose the colour or sex of an Assorted Peacock?

No. This is an assorted juvenile selection, and the exact colour, strain and sex cannot be guaranteed.