Midnight peacock - Aulonocara hueseri

Scientific name: Aulonocara hueseri

Common name: Midnight peacock

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 9 cm (3.15 - 3.54 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 20°N (214.29 - 357.14ppm)

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/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Midnight Peacock cichlid (Aulonocara hueseri) is endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa, one of the largest and most diverse freshwater lakes in the world. This lake is known for its vibrant and unique cichlid species, and the Midnight Peacock is no exception. They are typically found in rocky areas along the lake’s shorelines, where they take advantage of the many hiding places and nooks created by the rocks. These habitats offer them protection from predators and provide a safe space for breeding.

Food and Feeding

Midnight Peacock cichlids are omnivorous, and their diet in captivity should reflect a balance of quality nutrition. A staple diet of high-quality flake or pellet food specifically designed for cichlids will meet their daily nutritional needs. To enhance their coloration and maintain their health, supplement their diet with frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Offering these protein-rich foods a few times a week will not only keep them in top condition but also help promote natural behaviors. It’s important to avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to poor water quality and health issues.

Sexing

Distinguishing between male and female Midnight Peacocks becomes easier as they mature. Mature males develop a striking blue coloration on their head, with contrasting black dorsal and anal fins that are edged with white and decorated with distinctive egg spots. In contrast, females are much less colorful, typically displaying a silvery-brown body with hints of yellow. This sexual dimorphism is common in many Malawi cichlids, where the males exhibit brighter colors to attract females during breeding displays.

Breeding

Midnight Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female will carry the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch. To encourage breeding, it’s essential to provide plenty of rocks and caves in the aquarium, which will serve as hiding places for the females if they need to escape from the attention of the males. A ratio of one male to 2-3 females is ideal for reducing stress and increasing the likelihood of spawning.

One effective breeding technique is to purchase a group of juveniles and allow them to naturally pair off as they mature. Another method used by breeders is to place the breeding pair in an aquarium that has been left uncleaned for 3-4 weeks, as cleaning the tank afterward can often trigger spawning behavior. Once the male has selected a flat surface as a spawning site, he will clean it vigorously and display to attract a female. If the female is receptive, the pair will perform a courtship display, swimming in circles around each other until spawning begins.

After spawning, the female collects the eggs in her mouth and moves behind the male, who releases milt (sperm) that fertilizes the eggs. The female then incubates the fertilized eggs in her mouth for 25-30 days. During this time, she will not eat and will seek out quiet hiding places to avoid stress. Once the eggs hatch, she releases the fry, which can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or other finely powdered fry food. The fry grow quickly, and with proper care, they will soon be large enough to eat more substantial food.

Lifespan

With proper care and an optimal environment, the Midnight Peacock cichlid can live for 5-8 years in captivity. Providing them with a well-maintained aquarium, a varied diet, and stable water conditions will help ensure they reach their full lifespan. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as Malawi cichlids are sensitive to poor conditions.

Short Description

The Midnight Peacock cichlid is known for the impressive way males "strut" around the aquarium, displaying their vibrant fins to assert dominance or attract mates. While relatively undemanding in terms of care, they require consistent water changes to maintain water quality. A well-aquascaped tank with rock formations, caves, and hiding places is necessary, as these cichlids can be territorial and may become aggressive towards similarly colored species or sub-dominant males. Providing these hiding spots allows sub-dominant males and females to escape the attention of more dominant individuals, reducing stress and aggression in the tank.

To minimize aggression and ensure a harmonious environment, it is recommended to keep one male with 3-4 females. While not as aggressive as other Malawi species, care must be taken to balance the social dynamics within the tank. Maintaining the right mix of tank mates, with similar-sized fish that can coexist peacefully, will help to avoid any unnecessary conflict.