Nyasa peacock - Aulonocara nyassae

Scientific name: Aulonocara nyassae

Common name: Nyasa peacock

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.8 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 25°N (178.57 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°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: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Nyasa Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae) is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse freshwater lakes. Lake Malawi is home to many unique cichlid species that have adapted to different ecological niches within the lake, including rocky shorelines, sandy bottoms, and open water areas. The Nyasa Peacock inhabits sandy and rocky substrates, where it can sift through sand for food while also finding secure territories.

Lifespan

With proper care, the Nyasa Peacock can live for approximately 5-8 years. Maintaining stable water conditions, a balanced diet, and a peaceful environment are key to their longevity in home aquariums.

Short Description

The Nyasa Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae), also known as the Emperor Cichlid (though this name is shared with other species), is a peaceful and relatively low-maintenance cichlid suitable for intermediate aquarists. Providing ample hiding spots with rocks and caves is essential, as females use these spaces to rest from male attention. Males are territorial and should be housed with multiple females to distribute their focus and reduce stress on individual females. In larger aquariums, it is possible to keep more than one male if there are sufficient hiding places and defined territories.

The Nyasa Peacock prefers a peaceful tank environment with other Aulonocara species but should not be housed with Mbuna cichlids due to their different temperaments and dietary needs. To avoid hybridization, it’s best not to keep them with other similarly colored peacocks. In the aquarium, they generally inhabit the middle levels but will venture to the substrate when grazing for food.

Food and Feeding

In the wild, Nyasa Peacocks are micro-predators, sifting through sand to uncover small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other invertebrates. In the aquarium, they readily accept high-quality cichlid pellets and flakes, but their diet should also include some vegetable matter to support their digestion and health. Occasional treats of blanched spinach, lettuce, or shelled peas can provide valuable fiber. Supplemental feedings of live or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp will enhance their coloration and provide enrichment. Feeding once or twice daily is ideal, ensuring no excess food accumulates in the tank.

Sexing

Sexing Nyasa Peacocks can be challenging, especially in juvenile fish. Males tend to develop brighter and more vibrant coloration as they mature, whereas females generally remain more subdued in color. For breeding purposes, it’s best to buy a group of juveniles and allow natural pairing to occur over time as they mature.

Breeding

Breeding Aulonocara nyassae is relatively straightforward in a well-maintained aquarium. A tank with ample rockwork and caves provides females with hiding spaces and helps stimulate natural behaviors. To encourage breeding, perform regular water changes, which mimic the influx of fresh water and signal breeding conditions. Nyasa Peacocks are mouthbrooders; after mating, the female collects the fertilized eggs in her mouth, where she incubates them for about 3-4 weeks. During this time, avoid stressing the female, as any disturbance can cause her to release or consume the eggs.

Once the fry are released, they can be fed finely crushed flakes or infusoria initially, transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. Allow females a period of rest between spawning to recover, as constant brooding can weaken them. It’s essential to monitor tankmates during this time, as overly aggressive males can harass brooding females, causing stress.

Tank Requirements

Nyasa Peacocks thrive in aquariums that replicate their natural Lake Malawi environment. A minimum tank size of 150 liters (~40 gallons) is recommended for a single male with multiple females, with larger tanks needed if housing multiple males. A sandy substrate is ideal, allowing them to sift through it naturally. Include plenty of rock formations and caves to create secure hiding spaces and establish territories, as this helps minimize stress and aggression.

The water temperature should be maintained between 22-25°C (71.6-77°F), with a pH range of 7.8-8.5 and water hardness between 10-25°N. Efficient filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality, as cichlids are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular weekly water changes of around 20-30% are advised to keep the environment stable.

Recommended Tankmates

Nyasa Peacocks are generally peaceful and do well with other similarly tempered African cichlids that require similar water conditions. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other peaceful Aulonocara species (avoid similar coloration to prevent hybridization)
• Placidochromis species
• Small synodontis catfish, such as Synodontis nigriventris
• Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Lab), though ensure space to avoid aggression

Avoid Mbuna cichlids, as their aggressive nature and different dietary needs may lead to conflicts.

Short Description

The Nyasa Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae) is a captivating and relatively peaceful African cichlid from Lake Malawi. Known for its vibrant colors and easygoing nature, it thrives in a well-structured aquarium with ample hiding places. Ideal for intermediate aquarists, this species is best kept in a species-specific setup or with other peaceful African cichlids. With proper care, it can live for 5-8 years, making it a rewarding addition to the home aquarium.

Pictures

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