Firebird cichlid - Aulonocara hansbaenschi

Scientific name: Aulonocara hansbaenschi

Common name: Firebird cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 9 - 18°N (160.71 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Firebird Cichlids are omnivores and require a varied diet to thrive. A high-quality pellet or cichlid-specific flake food should form the staple of their diet, providing essential nutrients. To enhance their coloration and overall health, supplement their diet with regular treats of brine shrimp and bloodworms. These high-protein foods can be fed 2-3 times a week.

Vegetable matter is also important for these fish, and including spirulina flakes or algae-based wafers will help meet their dietary needs. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive protein can lead to health problems. Feed only as much as they can consume within 2-3 minutes, once or twice a day. Maintaining a varied diet is essential to keeping them healthy and showcasing their vibrant colors.

Origin

The Firebird Cichlid (Aulonocara hansbaenschi) is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, a habitat known for its high biodiversity and alkaline water conditions. Lake Malawi’s rocky substrate and abundance of hiding spots provide these fish with natural shelters and spawning areas. Replicating these environmental conditions in the home aquarium will help Firebird Cichlids feel at ease.

Sexing

Sexing Firebird Cichlids is relatively easy due to the striking differences in coloration between males and females. Males are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from bright orange to red with metallic blue highlights, even as juveniles. Females, on the other hand, remain a dull greyish-brown throughout their lives, which helps them blend into the rocky environment of their native habitat. Males are also typically larger than females and display more territorial behavior, especially during breeding.

Breeding

Firebird Cichlids are mouthbrooders, which is common among Malawi cichlids. Breeding usually begins when the male selects a flat stone or rock on which the female will lay her eggs. After the eggs are fertilized, the female gathers them into her mouth, where they will remain for incubation for up to 4 weeks. During this time, the female will not eat and may retreat to a secluded part of the tank. The fry are fully formed by the time they are released and will readily accept finely crushed flake food or newly hatched brine shrimp.

To improve the chances of breeding, provide the cichlids with a dedicated breeding tank, ideally with subdued lighting and ample hiding spots. After the fry are released, they can be left with the parents, as Firebird Cichlids are generally protective of their young. However, monitoring is recommended to ensure the fry are not harmed by other tank inhabitants.

Lifespan

With the right care, the Firebird Cichlid can live up to 12 years. This longevity is achievable with a well-maintained tank that offers stable water parameters and a varied, nutritious diet. Regular water changes and maintaining a clean environment will go a long way toward ensuring they reach their full lifespan.

Tank Requirements

The Firebird Cichlid requires a spacious tank, with a minimum of 200 liters (53 gallons) for a small group. As a species from Lake Malawi, they prefer hard, alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5 and a temperature range of 22-27°C (71.6-80.6°F). Water hardness should be maintained between 9-18°N (160.71-321.43 ppm) to replicate their natural environment.

These cichlids enjoy swimming in the middle levels of the tank but will also explore the bottom, particularly when foraging. The tank should have plenty of rocks and caves to create territories and hiding places, as these cichlids are semi-territorial. At the same time, leave open swimming areas at the front of the tank. A sandy substrate is recommended, as Firebird Cichlids like to dig and sift through the sand. Avoid sharp-edged substrates that could harm them.

Tankmates

While Firebird Cichlids are peaceful among their own species, they can become aggressive towards smaller, slower-moving fish or tankmates that share similar coloration. Therefore, it’s best to house them with other Malawi cichlids that can hold their own, such as:

• Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus)
• Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)
• Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae)

Avoid keeping them with fish that are much smaller or overly aggressive species. It's also important to maintain a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce male aggression. Providing enough hiding spots will help decrease tension among tankmates.

Short Description

The Firebird Cichlid (Aulonocara hansbaenschi), also known as Aulonocara Fort Maguire or Peacock Cichlid, is a popular species among cichlid enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and relatively peaceful nature. Found in the rocky habitats of Lake Malawi, this cichlid thrives in an aquarium with plenty of rocks and hiding spaces. Although they are generally peaceful within their species, they can become territorial, particularly toward smaller or similarly colored fish. A varied diet, clean water, and a well-structured tank will ensure these fish live long and healthy lives.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.