MBENJII BLUE REGAL (Aulonocara koningsi “Mbenji”)

mbenji blue regal care guide

scientific name: Aulonocara koningsi “Mbenji”
common name: Mbenji Blue Regal Peacock

general overview

The Mbenji Blue Regal is a stunning species of peacock cichlid native to Mbenji Island, located in Lake Malawi, Africa.
It belongs to the Aulonocara group—known for their vibrant coloration, calm temperament, and intelligence.
Males display intense electric blue bodies with metallic sheen and subtle barring, while females are more subdued with silver and beige tones.
This fish is prized among hobbyists for its striking coloration, manageable size, and relatively peaceful behavior compared to other African cichlids.

aquarium setup & water parameters

A spacious tank with open swimming areas and rocky structures helps mimic their natural environment—transition zones between sandy and rocky lake beds.

temperament & compatibility

The Mbenji Blue Regal is relatively peaceful compared to most mbuna but can show territorial behavior during breeding.
They thrive best in a species or peacock community setup with similarly tempered Malawi cichlids.

good tankmates:

• Other Aulonocara species (avoid similar coloration to reduce aggression)

• Cyrtocara moorii, Placidochromis, Copadichromis species

• Synodontis catfish for bottom clean-up

avoid: overly aggressive mbuna species or delicate community fish.

Keep one male with three or more females (1:3 ratio) to distribute breeding aggression evenly.

diet & feeding

Aulonocara koningsi are omnivorous with a carnivorous preference. In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans and insect larvae sifted from the sand.

feed a varied diet of:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes (spirulina or protein-rich formulas)

• Frozen or live foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworms—sparingly)

• Occasional vegetable matter for digestion balance

Feed 2–3 small meals daily, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

breeding information

Like all Aulonocara, the Mbenji Blue Regal is a maternal mouthbrooder.

• The male displays vivid colors and creates a spawning pit in the sand.

• After courtship, the female lays eggs, which she quickly scoops into her mouth.

• Incubation lasts around 21–28 days, after which she releases fully formed fry.

• Fry can be fed crushed flakes, powdered fry food, or newly hatched brine shrimp.

If breeding in a community tank, it’s best to move the female to a separate tank once she’s holding eggs to ensure fry survival.

maintenance & care tips

• Maintain consistent water changes (30–40% weekly).

• Use buffered, mineral-rich water to sustain stable pH and hardness.

• Keep a tight lid—they may jump when startled.

• Provide plenty of visual barriers (rocks, caves) to minimize aggression.

• Observe hierarchy—if males fight, rearrange the décor to reset territories.

key facts summary