Sunshine peacock - Aulonocara maleri

Scientific name: Aulonocara maleri

Common name: Sunshine peacock

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 12 cm (3.15 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 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: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Sunshine Peacock Overview

The Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara maleri) is a visually striking species endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. This vibrant fish is known for its stunning yellow-gold body with blue highlights around the mouth and dorsal fins, especially in males. Reaching sizes of 8 to 12 cm (3.15 to 4.72 inches) in captivity, Sunshine Peacocks are peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially males during breeding. Despite their beauty, these fish are best suited for intermediate to experienced aquarists due to their specific care requirements and territorial tendencies during spawning.

Origin

Sunshine Peacocks are endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa, where they inhabit the middle regions of rocky areas. These fish are often seen venturing into sandy substrates in search of food, sifting through the sand with their mouths. Their natural environment features warm, clear waters with moderate water flow and a mix of rocks and sand, mimicking the conditions of the aquarium setup they thrive in.

Tank Requirements

Due to their active nature and territorial behavior, Sunshine Peacocks require a spacious tank. A minimum tank size of 120 cm (4 feet) in length and 45 cm (18 inches) in width is recommended. In addition to providing open swimming space, their tank should include rocky caves and structures for the males to establish territories, which helps reduce aggression. A sandy substrate is ideal, as Sunshine Peacocks will sift through the sand in search of food.

Plants are generally not a priority for these fish, as they come from rocky habitats, but some aquarists may add hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern attached to rocks or driftwood. The water should be maintained at temperatures between 24-27°C (75.2-80.6°F), with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 and moderate water hardness between 10 to 20°N (178.57-357.14 ppm). Lighting should be moderate, as this can help enhance their vibrant coloration without causing undue stress.

Sunshine Peacocks are high waste producers, so efficient filtration is essential. A filter rated for a slightly larger tank than the one you own is recommended to handle the waste output. Weekly water changes of around 20% are necessary to maintain water quality. A gentle water current mimicking their natural habitat is ideal to keep them healthy and active.

Food and Feeding

In their natural environment, Sunshine Peacocks sift through sand to find small invertebrates. In captivity, a balanced diet is crucial. A high-quality flake or cichlid pellet should be their main diet, but it’s important to supplement this with protein-rich live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Use bloodworms sparingly, as overfeeding can cause digestive issues like bloat.

To ensure balanced nutrition, include vegetable matter in their diet, such as spirulina flakes or chopped peas. Feeding them small amounts twice daily will keep them healthy and prevent overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues.

Sexing

Sexing Sunshine Peacocks is relatively straightforward. Males are typically larger, with brighter coloration, displaying golden-yellow bodies with blue markings around their head and fins. Females are smaller and duller in coloration, often showing more muted brown or silver tones.

Breeding

Sunshine Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. To breed successfully, it’s best to maintain a ratio of 1 male to 4 females to prevent the male from overly harassing a single female. The male will select a flat rock or a sandy area as a spawning site and will perform elaborate displays to attract the female. After laying her eggs, the female collects them in her mouth, where the male fertilizes them using the “egg spots” on his anal fin to release milt. The female will incubate the eggs in her mouth for up to 4 weeks.

During this time, the female should be kept in a calm environment, as any stress can cause her to spit out the eggs prematurely. Once the fry are released, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or specially formulated fry food. To ensure a higher survival rate, consider moving the fry to a separate grow-out tank once they are free-swimming.

Behavior and Social Dynamics

While Sunshine Peacocks are generally peaceful, males can become territorial, particularly when defending breeding sites. During these times, their vibrant colors become even more pronounced, especially in the presence of females. It is essential to house one male with several females to prevent excessive harassment of individual females. These fish are active swimmers and should be kept with other peaceful cichlids of similar size. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or highly territorial species that may provoke conflicts.

Within a group, the males will often display to establish dominance, but as long as the tank is spacious and provides enough hiding spaces, their social behavior remains manageable. Regularly observing their interactions is key to ensuring a balanced and peaceful community.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

Sunshine Peacocks are generally peaceful but can become territorial, particularly during spawning periods. They are best kept with other African cichlids of similar size and temperament. Suitable tank mates include other Aulonocara species or peaceful Mbuna cichlids. Avoid housing them with aggressive species such as Frontosas or other large predatory cichlids, as well as very small fish like Neon Tetras, which may be viewed as prey.

Because males can be aggressive toward one another, it’s advisable to keep only one male in a tank unless the aquarium is large enough to accommodate multiple territories. Adding more females helps spread out the male’s attention and prevents a single female from being overly harassed.

Lifespan

If provided with proper care, including a well-maintained tank, regular monitoring of water parameters, and a balanced diet, Sunshine Peacocks can live for 6 to 10 years in captivity. Their longevity largely depends on maintaining optimal water quality, stable conditions, and minimizing stress, which can be achieved through consistent water changes and peaceful tank mates.

Short Description

The Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara maleri) is a vibrant African cichlid known for its striking golden-yellow coloration with blue accents. Endemic to Lake Malawi, this peaceful yet territorial species thrives in spacious, well-planted tanks with sandy substrates and rock formations. Ideal for intermediate and experienced cichlid keepers, Sunshine Peacocks are active, require moderate care, and can live for up to 10 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Picture

Thanks to Marc Janin for picture.